Ottawa, October 29, 2012—On the occasion of the world's first civil flight powered by 100 percent biofuel, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), made the following statement:
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, we wish to congratulate the aerospace team at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) for achieving a significant milestone in the aviation industry: flying the world's first civil jet powered by 100 percent biofuel.
"This historic flight results from NRC's long-standing partnership with Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., the Canadian agriculture-biotechnology firm that is commercializing the oilseed used to make the biofuel.
"This is a perfect example of how government and industry work together to bridge the gap between Canadian innovation and commercialization. Scientific research and developing new products, such as this, are critical to strengthening Canada's position as a global innovation leader."
Through Economic Action Plan 2012, our government is helping the NRC refocus its activities as an industry-driven organization with multidisciplinary expertise that addresses areas of national importance. NRC funds innovative research to keep Canada competitive.
More information can be found on the National Research Council of Canada website.
Contact information (media only):
Margaux Stastny
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Michèle-Jamali Paquette
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613-947-2956
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
