MPP Arnott tables resolution to take Wellington County’s Green Legacy Programme province-wide

(Queen’s Park) – With the 150th anniversary as a province within Confederation quickly approaching, Ontario should mark the occasion by planting 150 million trees across the province, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.

Mr. Arnott tabled a resolution in the Ontario Legislature on October 6 calling on the Provincial Government to work in partnership with municipalities, school boards, community organizations, the business community, and the forestry industry to set a goal of planting 150 million trees, starting in 2017.

“When I first raised this idea at Wellington County Council on June 25, it was very well received,” Mr. Arnott said. “I decided to follow up with a Private Member’s Resolution and bring it to the floor of the Ontario Legislature.”

Mr. Arnott’s proposal is also intended to highlight the County of Wellington’s Green Legacy Programme. First established in 2004, it is the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America, supporting the planting of over 150,000 trees annually in the County.

The County of Wellington has endorsed the proposal, and hopes to see it develop into a long term provincial tree planting programme.

“The Green Legacy Programme has been an amazing success,” said Mr. Arnott “County Council and staff deserve enormous credit, and they should be proud of what they’ve achieved to encourage volunteerism, confront the challenge of climate change, and support agriculture. Green Legacy does all of this, and more.”

Mr. Arnott’s resolution is scheduled for debate and a vote in the Ontario Legislature on Thursday, October 22.

“I spoke with the Minister of Natural Resources today after Question Period, to inform him of my resolution. I hope that MPPs from all parties can come together to support this. Working together, we can leave a positive legacy for future generations,” Mr. Arnott concluded.