As we reach the midpoint of 2025, it's impossible to ignore the challenges wildfires continue to pose across Canada. Millions of hectares of forest have been lost, and communities are feeling the weight of environmental, economic, and ecological uncertainty. Yet, within this crisis lies a profound responsibility and a unique opportunity for our sector.

(Huntsville, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 4, 2025) The Canadian Tree Nursery Association-Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières (CTNA-ACPF), which represents over 95% of the nation's forest restoration seedling producers, expresses profound disappointment following the recent federal government decision to cancel the balance of the Two Billion Trees (2BT) Program.

Over 6.8B seedlings needed to restore just 15% of forests destroyed in 2025, 2024 & 2023 wildfires - Canadian Tree Nursery Association-Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières (CTNA-ACPF) calls for immediate government action.

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, it's impossible to ignore the challenges wildfires continue to pose across Canada. Millions of hectares of forest have been lost, and communities are feeling the weight of environmental, economic, and ecological uncertainty. Yet, within this crisis lies a profound responsibility and a unique opportunity for our sector.

May 2025 is just over, and wildfires have already burned over 283,618 hectares of land across Canada. By mid-May 2025, around 100 wildfires were active, primarily in Manitoba and Ontario, two major fires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan alone accounted for over half of the area burned by early May. In 2023 and 2024, wildfires destroyed over 22.3 million hectares—nearly 7% of our forested land in two years. Now is the critical moment to initiate restoration efforts that can rejuvenate both our environment and economy.

The following is an update regarding the activities of the Canadian Tree Nursery Association. Our efforts over the last five months have been dedicated to enhancing the Association's visibility, expanding our membership base, and engaging with governmental representatives to address the following issues:

EXTEND THE 2 BILLION TREE PROJECT BEYOND THE YEAR 2031
ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLED NURSERY WORKERS

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, your connection to the people, progress, and purpose driving Canada’s thriving tree nursery sector. At the Canadian Tree Nursery Association/Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières (CTNA-ACPF), we proudly represent Canada’s tree nurseries—key players in growing over 95% of the nation’s tree seedlings. These seedlings are more than just trees. They are a commitment to our forests, economy, and communities, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Canadian Tree Nursery Association-Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières (CTNA-ACPF) released a new report, "The Economic Value of Canada’s Tree Nursery Sector," at the Western Forest Contractors Association (WFCA) conference, held in Victoria, BC. Conducted by Green Analytics, this analysis is the first of its kind, detailing the sector's economic contributions from the annual production of 726 million seedlings.

Canada has taken another important step toward restoring forests and strengthening climate resilience. More than 30 new projects have been approved under the federal 2 Billion Trees program, expanding tree planting efforts in communities, rural regions, and Indigenous-led initiatives across the country.

Today, during the Atlantic Forest Nursery conference, the Canadian Tree Nursery Association-Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières (CTNA-ACPF) unveiled alarming new data on Canada's forest restoration challenge following recent wildfires. Executive Director Rob Keen stated, “We need over 5.3 billion seedlings to begin restoring only 15% of our forests destroyed by 2023 and 2024 wildfires. Action on this is urgently required by our Prime Minister, Premiers, and Forest Ministers.”

Canada’s plan to plant two billion trees has hit serious challenges. A new CBC report looks at why the program is struggling to meet its goals, how funding and logistics are affecting progress, and what experts say needs to change. The story also explores the role of Indigenous knowledge and long term forest stewardship in shaping a more effective path forward.

The Canadian Tree Nursery Association/Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières (CTNA-ACPF) launched today, bringing together all major growers of tree seedlings dedicated to forest restoration initiatives across Canada. The new trade association (based in Huntsville, ON) representing 50 nurseries and over 90% of current Canadian tree seedling production, aims to increase production, enhance collaboration, drive innovation and promote sustainable practices in the tree nursery sector. CTNA-ACPF was unveiled at the 2023 Atlantic Nursery Conference.

Kenya is taking bold steps toward its ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees. The Kenya Forest Service has announced the hiring of 4,000 new nursery attendants to boost seedling production and support nationwide restoration efforts. The move reflects the country’s growing commitment to climate resilience, job creation and large scale reforestation.

Canada’s boreal forests are facing a dangerous new reality. As wildfires return year after year, vast areas are losing their ability to naturally regenerate, raising alarms for scientists, communities and policymakers. This Globe and Mail report explores why some forests may never grow back and what it means for the country’s climate future, biodiversity and restoration efforts.