Premier Pat Binns today expressed regret at the news of the sudden death of Island artist Tyler Aspin. Creator and Artistic Director of "The Canada Tree," Aspin passed away Sunday in Quebec.
"We have lost one of Prince Edward Island's most creative young minds. Tyler amply demonstrated both an artistic talent and appreciation for Canada's rich cultural fabric," said the Premier.
Invariably a work in progress, "The Canada Tree" tells the story of our country through the culmination of various wood products fused together to create a unique sculpture. Aspin contended that, to advance forward, a society needed to recognize the strength in its past. "The Canada Tree" is a symbol of that strength and a vision for the opportunity our future holds.
Thousands of Canadians have visited and shared the message of "The Canada Tree" as Aspin regularly toured the sculpture across the country. Binns is especially proud of the fact that Aspin never forgot his own roots. The base and trunk of "The Canada Tree" is a red oak extracted near the provincial natural area at Royalty Oaks.
"An excellent ambassador for Prince Edward Island and Canada, Tyler will be sadly missed," noted Premier Binns.