February 01, 2008
North Battleford, Saskatchewan
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 will foster the growth of Western Canada's emerging biodiesel industry and support efforts aimed at increasing commercial production," said the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board 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. "Saskatchewan is well-positioned to thrive in this sector and this initiative will help stimulate and promote this environmentally-friendly energy option."
"We are pleased to work with the federal government on the promotion and development of the renewable fuel industry in our province," said the Honourable Lyle Stewart, Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Research Council. "As a leader in the renewable fuel industry, we welcome this initiative to increase awareness of biodiesel with the anticipation that it will help create markets and stimulate economic growth."
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 implement a biodiesel market and cluster development project in all four western provinces; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This market development project focuses on increasing demand for biodiesel through increasing knowledge about the fuel, awareness of its environmental benefits, creating helpful user information and tools, and providing first-user incentives.
"SRC provides Smart Fuel Solutions to contribute to a more sustainable transportation system and provide new opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses," said Grant McVicar, SRC's Director of Energy Conservation. "Biodiesel is a viable option for Saskatchewan motorists and we are pleased to help potential users and producers appreciate how we all can benefit from choosing alternative fuels."
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to strengthen economic diversification and development in communities across Western Canada.
For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak , ManagerConsultations, Marketing, & CommunicationsWestern Economic Diversification306-975-5942306-975-5949 (fax)
Karen PotterCommunications SpecialistSaskatchewan Research CouncilSaskatchewanPhone: 306-933-7089
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
