Production of biochar and derived bioproducts in the Saguenay–Lac‑Saint‑Jean region
News Release
Mashteuiatsh, April 24, 2017 – The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec will support a production project based on forest and vegetation biomass, biochar and derived bioproducts in the Mashteuiatsh area. The $7,910,875 project, will be led by the Agrinova college centre for the transfer of technology (CCTT) associated to the Collège d’Alma. It will be receiving $5,900,000 in financial assistance from the Government of Canada and $1,255,875 from the Government of Quebec.
The project includes the acquisition and installation of specialized equipment for the thermochemical conversion of the regional forest biomass and sawmill residue. The activities carried out will contribute to the development of a new sector for transformation of the forest biomass, creation of a new value chain based on circular economy principles and development of green products that will reduce greenhouse gases.
Quotes
“Together, we defined the priorities for our region during the
Sommet économique régional, in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (website in French only). The
groupe de travail sur les Premières Nations (website in French only) recently tabled its report, which outlined the importance of tracking this Mashteuiatsh development project. Today, our government is doing exactly what it said it would do: it is supporting an innovative project that is important for the community and that will contribute to the region’s economic development.”
Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Saguenay–Lac‑Saint‑Jean region
“To improve the quality and impact of our programs that support innovation, it is crucial for the Government of Canada to support scientific research and technology transfer. As the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, I am proud to support this project, which will enable Agrinova to acquire the equipment needed to develop innovative technologies and processes that will benefit businesses in the forestry sector.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
“The implementation of a technology showcase in Mastheuiatsh is a wonderful project that will encourage and foster partnerships that will be beneficial to the vitality and economic development of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan community. I want to highlight the exemplary collaborative efforts made by the community, the Domaine-du-Roy RCM and the governments.”
Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs
Quick Facts
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The funding from the Government of Canada is provided under CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) and will enable Agrinova to purchase and install specialized equipment, including two pyrolyzers.
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The funding from the Government of Quebec is provided by the ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation. An investment in the order of $830 million to stimulate research and innovation in Quebec is provided for in Budget 2017–2018.
Associated Links
Contacts
Harold Fortin
Spokesperson and Director of
Communications for the Premier
Office of the Premier of Quebec
Tel.: 418-643-5321
Mylene Gauvreau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for
Native Affairs
Tel.: 418-643-3166
Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
Media Relations Coordinator
Communications
Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation
Tel.: 418-691-5698, extension 4868
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Tel.: 514-283-7443
Email: dec.media.ced@canada.ca