Department of Natural Resources
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Released: 22 September, 2003

New Book Tells Story of CanadaÂ's Forests

QUÉBEC — Readers interested in the history and beauty of Canada’s forests can add a new book from the Government of Canada to their collections. The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, today announced the publication of The Forests of Canada, the latest book from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), at the start of the XII World Forestry Congress (WFC).

Minister Dhaliwal officially opened the Canada Pavilion and presented copies of the first edition of the book to Sam Hamad, Quebec’s Minister of Natural Resources, Pierre Corbeil, Quebec’s Minister for Forests, and Dr. Jacques Diouf, Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The book is NRCan’s official gift to the Congress.

“Canadians have strong connections to their forests. From recreation to employment, Canada's forests are integral to our identity,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “This book is an innovative and exciting way to showcase the diversity of Canada’s forests, and give a glimpse of the importance of these forests to our quality of life.”

The book, a companion to the 1995 publication Trees in Canada, was written by Ken Farr, an employee of NRCan’s Canadian Forest Service, and the colour photographs were taken by Ottawa nature photographer J. David Andrews. It is written for a general audience that includes those interested in Canada’s forests and Canadian forest science and management practices.

The book provides a narrative on each of Canada’s nine forest types — from the coastal forests of the West Coast to the Acadian forests of the East Coast, and from northern boreal forests to southern Carolinian forests. It will be available in English and French in bookstores and through the Web site www.bookstore.pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/default.htm following the WFC.

NRCan is working in partnership with Fitzhenry and Whiteside Limited on the printing, marketing and sales of the book. The company’s mandate is to produce long-lasting works of non-fiction and reference on Canadian themes.

The WFC, from September 21 to 28 in Québec, is hosting more than 4,000 delegates from 140 countries, and focuses on the contribution of forests to a healthy environment and sustainable communities. The Government of Canada, through Natural Resources Canada, is a co-organizer of the Congress, along with the Government of Quebec (Ministère des Ressources naturelles, de la Faune et des Parcs) and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.

This publication advances the Government of Canada’s commitment to the sustainable development of our natural resources — contributing to their economic importance and to a strong society and communities through knowledge, innovation, technology and international leadership. By integrating our economic, social and environmental goals, we can ensure our quality of life and build the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future generations.

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