2009-09-24 20:15:02 -

GEORGETOWN, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 09/24/09 -- The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, was joined today by Michael Chong, M.P. for Wellington-Halton Hills, and representatives of the Halton Public School Board for a tree-planting ceremony at Gardiner Public School in celebration of National Forest Week.



"The Government of Canada recognizes that our forest industry generates $80 billion a year for Canada's economy and provides jobs for tens of thousands of Canadians," said Minister Raitt. "Today, we celebrate this precious natural resource and the vital contribution it plays in our country's prosperity and well-being."



Minister Raitt and Mr. Chong presented students and school representatives with an Atlas Map of Canada and a National Forest Week poster.



"Today's tree planting focuses our attention on the importance of innovation and entrepreneurial activity to advance the future of Canada's forest sector," said Mr. Chong. "In celebration of this week, I encourage all Canadians to reflect on its natural beauty."



Canada is the world's number-one supplier of wood panels, pulp and paper and newsprint. Forests provide things like maple syrup and honey. Even some medicines come from our forests. These benefits are in addition to the recreational opportunities forests offer for Canadians and tourists who visit this international attraction.



National Forest Week originated as Forest Fire Prevention Week in 1926 and is observed annually during the last week of September. Renamed in 1967, this week of celebrations now encompasses the many different human and environmental aspects of Canada's forest resources.



Additional information about National Forest Week is available on NRCan's Web site at cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/subsite/nationalforestweek : .



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Canada's Minister of Natural Resources Lisa Raitt and local M.P. Michael Chong planted trees at Gardiner Public School in Georgetown, Ontario, today in celebration of National Forest Week. All Canadians are invited to celebrate National Forest Week from September 20 to 26 and to take this opportunity to reflect on the natural beauty of our forests and their vital contribution to our prosperity and well-being.



NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media : .

Contacts:
Media may contact:
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
Office of the Minister
Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
613-996-2007

Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
Media Relations
613-992-4447

The general public may contact:
Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT
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questions@nrcan.gc.ca :