The Media Room
Natural Resources Canada
2009/125
December 17, 2009
Government of Canada Invests in Saskatchewan Biofuels
LANIGAN, SASKATCHEWAN — With an investment of up to $8.4 million by the Government of Canada, the Pound-Maker ethanol facility in Saskatchewan will receive financial support to sustain job creation and stimulate the local economy. The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today highlighted how this investment will help strengthen the Canadian renewable fuel industry.
“The Government of Canada is delivering results for families and workers in Lanigan,” said Minister Yelich. “By investing in this project, we are helping to create and sustain local jobs and economic opportunities while encouraging a healthier environment for all Canadians.”
Compared with gasoline, grain-based ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 40 percent on a life-cycle basis. For biodiesel, the emissions reduction can be as much as 60 percent.
“This commitment from the Government of Canada, coupled with support from provincial governments, will ensure that the economic benefits of ethanol production will continue to accrue to stakeholders in rural communities like ours,” said Brad Wildeman, President of Pound-Maker Agventures Ltd. “These include shareholders, employees, grain producers, and communities that look to projects like ours to remain viable by providing meaningful jobs and local market opportunities.”
Renewable energy sources are increasingly becoming part of Canada’s energy mix. The Government of Canada will invest up to $1.5 billion over nine years through the ecoENERGY for Biofuels program. The Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan also dedicates funding to the Clean Energy Fund and the Green Infrastructure Fund to provide additional economic stimulus while promoting a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Canadians.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada will provide up to $8.4 million over seven years in funding to an ethanol plant in Lanigan, Saskatchewan. Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Lynne Yelich said this funding will help sustain local jobs and economic opportunities for local businesses as well as provide cleaner fuels to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Media may contact:
Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
or
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
or
Brad Wildeman
Pound-Maker Agventures Ltd.
Lanigan, Saskatchewan
306-365-4281
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