Tree Plantings Mark 75 Years of Public Pensions in Canada

Tree Plantings Mark 75 Years of Public Pensions in Canada

Date: September 13, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONTAGUE, PEI - This year marks the 75th anniversary of public pensions in Canada. In 1927, the government of Prime Minister Mackenzie King made social history by passing the Old Age Security Pensions Act, the first legislation to provide widespread public pensions and the first step toward reducing poverty among seniors.

To help commemorate this significant event, The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, participated in a tree-planting ceremony at Waterfront Park in Montague. This ceremony is part of a joint, Canada-wide initiative between Human Resources Development Canada, the Tree Canada Foundation and TransCanada PipeLines Limited that will see trees planted in 75 communities across the country.

"Planting trees is a symbolic action that serves to remind people of the importance of having strong roots in the community while at the same time building a healthy future," said Lawrence MacAulay. "Like our public pension system, these trees will be here for us far into the future."

It has been 75 years since that first pension seed was planted by Mackenzie King's government. Today our system, secure in its strong roots, has grown and branched out, providing for Canadians when they need help most. Canadians can depend on the strength and sustainability of their public pensions when they retire, become disabled or lose a loved one.

Lawrence MacAulay, Mayor Pat McGowan, John Gaudet, representing the Tree Canada Foundation, Arlene VanDiepen, representing HRDC and Harold Dockendorff, representing seniors participated in the tree planting ceremony at Waterfront Park. This park was chosen for the commemoration anniversary because it is a place where seniors like to mingle, and where all generations meet.

"Montague the beautiful" was named as such because of our beautiful trees", said Pat McGowan, Mayor of Montague. "We want to retain this title for our children and grandchildren so that they too, will maintain deep roots in our community". She supports what Thomas Fuller, an English writer and physician, wrote in 1732, "He that plants trees loves others besides himself."

Since 1992, the Tree Canada Foundation has worked with groups and organizations to encourage the planting and maintenance of trees. The Foundation currently leads a wide range of national and community partnerships to deliver effective training and public awareness programs at the local level, collaborating with companies such as TransCanada PipeLines Limited, which is contributing $75,000 to community tree planting across Canada.

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