February 01, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia
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.
"This initiative supports the research, development and commercialization of new technologies which will foster the growth of Western Canada's emerging biodiesel industry," said James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Renewable fuels, such as biodiesel, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our environment and provide new economic opportunities for both rural and urban communities."
"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 the Honourable Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Province of BC. "Increased demand for biodiesel will stimulate job opportunities in rural regions while promoting an environmentally-friendly energy option."
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.
"Better access to green technologies and alternative fuels, including biodiesel, is critical on the road to sustainability" says Dr. Charles Jago, Chair of the Fraser Basin Council. "This investment supports our Biofleet incentive program to help the public and private sector try biodiesel in the place of conventional diesel in their fleet vehicles. This is one of multiple strategies fleet managers are using to cut harmful emissions."
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 Howes Communications ManagerWestern Economic Diversification CanadaTel: (604) 666-1318Cell: (604) 505-6616
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
