Mr. Speaker, as they say, the best time to plant a tree was yesterday. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual tree giveaway held by the Bayview Village Association. Each year, the BVA offers residents trees and shrubs that are native to Toronto and suited for our urban environment, and it holds a workshop on how to properly plant them. I advise the House of this great community effort because trees reduce flooding and erosion, provide shade, decrease heating and cooling costs and clean the air.
I want to take this occasion to thank the Bayview Village Association and acknowledge the natural care and strong community spirit that exist in the BVA. I commend the team of volunteers involved for helping us breathe a little easier. In my riding, it is not just trees that are growing; it is the community spirit.