The Media Room
Natural Resources Canada
2009/46
May 20, 2009
Government of Canada Invests In Aylmer Ethanol Plant
AYLMER — Thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, the Integrated Grain Processors Cooperative’s (IGPC) facility will receive up to $84.76 million over seven years to support biofuels development. Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, today made this announcement with Jim Grey, CEO of IGCP, and members of the Board of Directors.
“The Government of Canada is delivering action for families and businesses in Aylmer,” said Mr. Preston. “This funding will help create local jobs and economic opportunities, while increasing our supply of cleaner fuels to reduce greenhouse gasses and contribute to a healthier environment for all Canadians.”
Compared to gasoline, grain-based ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 40 percent on a lifecycle basis. For biodiesel, the emissions reduction can be as much as 60 percent.
“The funding received from Natural Resources Canada will help ensure that IGPC remains part of the economic foundation of this community,” said Jim Grey, from IGPC. “The Government of Canada should be proud of their contribution to the largest start-up co-operative in Canadian history. Our 850 farmer and community members sincerely appreciate the federal government’s confidence in our locally-owned biofuels venture."
Through the ecoENERGY for Biofuels program, the Government of Canada will invest up to $1.5 billion over nine years to encourage the development of a strong, competitive renewable fuels industry in Canada.
The Government of Canada is also reducing emissions and creating new economic opportunities through investments such as the five-year,
$1-billion Clean Energy Fund and the $1-billion Green Infrastructure Fund, part of the Government’s Economic Action Plan and will provide additional economic stimulus while accelerating progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Canadians.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is providing up to $84.76 million over seven years in new funding to an ethanol plant in Aylmer, Ontario. M.P. Preston says the new investment will help create local jobs and economic opportunities for local businesses as well as provide cleaner fuels to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Media may contact:
Jasmine MacDonnell
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Or
IGPC
Hilda Triska
519-765-2575
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/index-eng.php.