8.5 million of the two billion trees promised by PM have been planted so far
CTV
The federal government has planted less than half a per cent of the two billion trees it pledged to put in the ground across Canada by 2030, The Canadian Press has learned.
Figures obtained through an access to information request show 8.5 million trees had been planted as of mid-November, representing just over 0.4 per cent of what the Liberals have repeatedly promised.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the pledge during the 2019 election campaign, and the goal was repeated during the government's 2020 throne speech setting out policy objectives.
It asserts the two billion trees would help Canada meet its climate-change targets while creating roughly 4,300 new jobs.
Despite the sluggish start to the tree-planting effort, the Ministry of Natural Resources said the program isn't falling behind.
