February 01, 2008
Edmonton, Alberta
Western Canada's biodiesel industry will receive a boost thanks to a $330,000 investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada to develop and market BioFleet, a new program to increase awareness of the biodiesel industry and showcase its environmental benefits.
"The Government of Canada is committed to advancing Canada's bio-based economy and to preserving and protecting the environment," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "This project will promote renewable fuels as an environmentally friendly alternative and highlight the potential economic benefits for rural communities."
Western Economic Diversification Canada, in partnership with the Fraser Basin Council Society (FBC), Climate Change Central (C3), the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), will put into practice a biodiesel market and cluster development project in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This project will focus on increasing the demand for biodiesel by increasing knowledge of the fuel and raising awareness of its environmental benefits through user information and tools and first-user incentives.
"We're pleased that strong partnerships among governments and industry leaders is heightening awareness of the biodiesel option and are confident it will expand demand for biodiesel in the future," said Simon Knight, Chief Executive Officer and President of Climate Change Central. "Increased demand for biodiesel will stimulate job opportunities in rural regions, while promoting an environmentally-friendly energy option."
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to strengthen economic diversification and development in communities across Western Canada.
For additional information, contact:
Donna KinleyManager, Communication, Consultation and MarketingWestern Economic Diversification CanadaTelephone: (780) 495-6892
Helen CorbettDirector, CommunicationsClimate Change CentralTelephone: (403)517-2717Cell: (403) 471-6247
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
