Download CN launches EcoConnexions From the Ground Up

NEWS RELEASE
CN launches EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program to
green public properties across Canada
MONTREAL, May 23, 2012 — CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) today announced a
program to help municipalities and First Nations communities across Canada green
public properties with its partners Tree Canada and Communities in Bloom.
As part of the CN EcoConnexions initiative, CN’s EcoConnexions From the Ground Up
program will seek applications for tree planting and other greening programs in
communities across its network, with a particular emphasis on properties adjacent to its
rail lines. Planting trees in these locations will not only help beautify these areas, but will
also provide natural noise and visual barriers, and provide many other environmental
and social benefits.
―CN is proud to bring this innovative program to promote tree-planting to communities
along the CN corridor,‖ said John F. Orr, CN vice-president and chief safety and
sustainability officer. ―Trees are an important part of sustainable urban landscapes. They
help purify air, provide shade and habitat for songbirds, decrease soil erosion and help
manage storm water.‖
CN is especially pleased to partner with two prominent, national organizations to
implement this program. Tree Canada has a 20-year reputation for empowering
communities to develop and maintain healthy urban and rural forests. Communities in
Bloom is renowned in communities across Canada for its work beautifying the urban
landscape. These two organizations are working with CN to develop a comprehensive
program that will see quality greening projects established across the country.
CN has led the way in connecting Canadians for close to a century,‖ says Tree Canada
President Michael Rosen. ―Through opportunities like From the Ground Up, CN is
helping municipalities and First Nations communities improve our national landscape
for future generations to enjoy. Tree Canada is honoured to be a part of this fantastic
initiative.‖
―Communities in Bloom is proud to be involved in the program‖ said Raymond Carrière,
Founding President of Communities in Bloom. ―CN’s From the Ground Up program will
be another demonstration of the social, environmental and economical benefits of green
spaces in making Canadian communities better places to live in, to work in and to visit‖.
CN’s EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program will provide grants of up to $25,000
to communities selected on the basis of a simple on-line application which includes
criteria such as the community’s ability to match CN’s grant, community engagement
and the long term sustainability of the plantings. Complete details on the program and
an application form are available at www.cnfromthegroundup.ca.
About CN
CN – Canadian National Railway Company and its operating railway subsidiaries –
spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of
Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New
Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago,
Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis,
and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more
information on CN, visit the company’s website at www.cn.ca.
About Tree Canada
Tree Canada is a not-for-profit charitable organization established to encourage
Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments. Tree Canada
engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the
planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to
the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. To date, more than 77 million trees have
been planted, 450 schoolyards have been greened, and Tree Canada has helped organize
nine national urban forest conferences. More information about Tree Canada is available
at www.treecanada.ca.
About Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering
civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community
involvement and the challenge of a national program, with focus on the promotion and
value of green spaces. The pride, sense of community and feeling of accomplishment
generated through participation are visible in communities across Canada. For more
information about Communities in Bloom, visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.
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Contacts:
For CN
Jim Feeny
Director, Public and Government Affairs
(514) 358-4868
[email protected]
For Communities in Bloom
Vivian Shum
Marketing and Communications
(514) 694-8871
[email protected]
For Tree Canada
Michael Rosen
President
(613) 567-5545, ext.222
[email protected]