The 44th Annual Premiers' Conference has entered into a partnership with the Tree Canada Foundation to offset the carbon dioxide emissions created by holding the conference. Using a formula that takes into account the number of delegates, their method of travel and the time they'll spend on PEI, Tree Canada has determined it will take 850 trees to offset the CO2 emissions.
Thirteen trees will be planted by each of the premiers and territorial leaders on the Charlottetown waterfront early Wednesday evening. The remaining 837 trees will be planted across the country by Tree Canada.
Premier Pat Binns, who will host this year's conference, says the partnership is a concrete example of how everyone can make a difference. "We have to think seriously about the effect our activities have on the environment and about what we can do to offset that effect," he said. "I am very proud that the province of Prince Edward Island is setting this example for all of Canada and helping to raise awareness of this important issue."
The province of PEI will make a contribution to the Tree Canada Foundation which will allow them to plant the trees across the country. They, in turn, will partner with groups such as Scouts Canada and various municipalities to identify locations for tree planting and to provide the labour.
"We are very encouraged by the leadership shown by the Premiers and by the province of Prince Edward Island in making this event carbon neutral," said Jeff Monty, Tree Canada Foundation president. "We are seeking a great deal of interest by Canadians to reduce their impact on the environment by planting trees through our Foundation."
The tree planting ceremony will take place at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, between Founder's Hall and the Visitor Information Centre. Five red oak, five red maple and three white ash will be planted. The trees for the ceremonial planting were donated by PEI's Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Tree Canada Foundation's Vice Chair, John Gaudet, will be on hand for the event.
For more information about Tree Canada, please visit www.tcf-fca.ca.