Government of Canada Investment to Expand Manitoba Biodiesel Industry

February 01, 2008

Winnipeg, Manitoba - 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.

"Our government is 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 Vic Toews, President of the Treasury 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. "Increased demand for biodiesel will increase job opportunities in rural regions while promoting an environmentally-friendly energy option."

"We are excited about the potential the biofuels industry holds for Manitoba," said The Honourable Jim Rondeau, Minister of Manitoba Science, Technology Energy and Mines. "If we want to increase our economic competitiveness and help protect the environment, we have to provide Manitobans with more clean, domestically-produced energy options."

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.

"This investment will help potential users and producers appreciate how we can all benefit by the biodiesel revolution," said Brian Chorney, Director, Manitoba Canola Growers Association. "We are proud to play a lead role in getting the message out there, to promote positive change that will stimulate our economy and promote environmental sustainability."

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to strengthen economic diversification and development in communities across Western Canada.