Forests Canada's Statement on the Status of the 2 Billion Trees Program

Forests Canada acknowledges the Government of Canada’s 2025 budget decision to pull back from its stated goal of planting two billion trees by 2031 as part of its 2 Billion Trees program (2BTP).

Forests Canada strongly believes in both the economic and environmental benefits of conserving, restoring, and growing Canada’s forests. We have been a proud partner in the 2BTP and are grateful for the Government of Canada’s long-term commitment that allows us to drive restoration efforts and invest in critical infrastructure from coast to coast to coast.

Reliable, long-term funding allows Forests Canada and its planting partners to better plan for the future and scale up everything from the collection of native seed to growing seedlings to the delivery of restoration projects. In fact, Forests Canada just had the most successful planting year in its 75+ year history, supporting the planting of approximately 4.4 million trees across the country – but our work is not yet done.

Our commitment to tree planting and to our planting partners is firm: we believe our existing 2BTP contractual commitments are fully supported until 2031 and will be delivered to the highest standard.

We call on all levels of government to maintain and support tree planting infrastructure that is integral to the environmental and economic health of the country. This includes seed collection, nurseries, planting professionals, and forestry expertise that directly support the economies of communities across Canada, often in rural parts of the country. Ongoing support is crucial for essential restoration efforts, particularly in forests impacted by our changing climate, including wildfire-affected regions.

Investing in our forests is investing in Canada’s future.