Honourable senators, on behalf of all New Brunswickers, I would like to commend the exceptional leadership of one particular New Brunswick family in the forestry sector. I would like to recognize J.D. Irving, Limited, or "JDI" as it is known back home.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Irving family is an icon across Canada, North America and the world when it comes to forestry research and development. Honourable senators, the true test of character and strong value is to consider someone's behaviour when no one is watching and to judge behaviour when it is not required.
Honourable senators, for those reasons, I am eager and proud to recognize the Irving family; we call J.D. Irving "Jim." People do not care who we are until they know what we care for. I know that J.D. Irving, Limited, has called New Brunswick home for 130 years. Without a doubt they are a leader in reforestation across the world. Even looking around this chamber today, I see some senators who have planted trees.
As a leader in reforestation, Irving has planted more than 877 million trees since 1957. It is unprecedented. Honourable senators, some of my colleagues in both houses witnessed for themselves, when they visited the Black Brook District, how J.D. Irving, Limited, continues to inspire innovation and advancement through research and technology in forestry. J.D. Irving is synonymous with best practices and sustainable forestry — in terms of sustainable management.
Being a pioneer of GIS and GPS technology, Mr. Irving and his team represent the corporate social conscience with Canadian values. Yes, the proudly New Brunswick company has also made great strides in advancing Canada's understanding of climate change and the impact on our forests. This JDI case study was featured by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy and is entitled Facing the Elements: Building Business Resilience in a Changing Climate.
Honourable senators, I congratulate Mr. J.D. Irving and J.D. Irving, Limited, for their outstanding performance as they conduct alternative thinning treatment to measure the affect on birds, small mammals, insects, ground vegetation and mosses. Let us unanimously congratulate JDI's unique areas program. It is the winner of the national Canadian Council on Ecological Areas award for leadership in promoting sustainable ecosystem management and its role in designating land and resources for conservation. This family makes us proud, regardless of where we live in Canada. I thank the Irving family.