Federal and Provincial Governments Invest in Clean Technology to Create Sustainable Energy Solutions for Northern Ontario

News Release

December 9, 2016 – North Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario are investing $216,792 to spur innovation and create new renewable energy opportunities across Northern Ontario. The funding will enable the Biomass North Development Centre, in partnership with the Union of Ontario Indians, to implement its Northern Ontario Bioeconomy Strategy, which was developed in 2015 in consultation with stakeholders from across the region.

A key part of the implementation will include establishing 13 demonstration facilities across the region to showcase the efficiency and effectiveness of various biomass initiatives. The demonstration facilities will focus on priority areas including: sustainable supply model; bioenergy and fuels, and; biocomposites and chemicals. As part of the project, the organization will also launch a training plan, and seek to develop new markets and international partnerships.

Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, and the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario's Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC. Both levels of government are providing matching contributions of $108,396.

Quick facts

  • The federal funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
  • The provincial funding announced today is provided through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), which works to build strong, prosperous communities across Northern Ontario and supports the province's top priority to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Quotes

"Clean tech and renewable energy are the way of the future and this investment will help achieve meaningful results for Northern Ontario communities. The Government of Canada is proud to support this strategic initiative to promote sustainable economic development, enhance business growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

"Today's announcement will help modernize Northern Ontario's economy by maximizing our forestry resources and usher in a new era of innovation and job creation in the region. By investing in emerging technologies and encouraging entrepreneurship, our Government is supporting the middle-class by creating jobs and opportunities, while helping us achieve our climate change targets."

– Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming

"Our government is proud to support sustainable resource development, spur innovation and job creation in the North. Our investment in this project will help the region remain at the forefront of the bioeconomy and ensure we are ready to support ongoing advances in this innovative field."

– Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North

"We are thrilled that the federal and provincial governments recognize the importance of our efforts and are investing to implement the Northern Ontario Bioeconomy Strategy. Once fully implemented, the strategy will help revive our forestry sector, create business opportunities, enhance First Nations partnerships, reduce energy costs, and support the environmental sustainability of our natural resources."

– Dawn Lambe, Executive Director, Biomass North Development Centre

Associated Links

  • To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor.
  • To find out more about the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, please visit: http://www.nohfc.ca and follow them on Twitter @NOHFC
  • Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contacts

Carol Deguire
Communications Officer - FedNor
705-626-6119
carol.deguire@canada.ca

James Carleton
MNDM – Minister's Office
416-327-1208

Julia Bennett
MNDM - Communications Branch
416-314-6275
mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca


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