The Media Room
Natural Resources Canada
2009/79
August 24, 2009
Government of Canada Invests in Manitoba Biofuels
MINNEDOSA — Husky Energy’s Minnedosa plant will receive up to $72.8 million to support the production of ethanol, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. The Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY for Biofuels program works to help stabilize the Canadian renewable fuel industry, supporting job creation and stimulating the local economy.
“The Government of Canada is delivering results for families and workers in Minnedosa,” said Minister Toews. “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.
“The ecoENERGY for Biofuels program is an important sustainable development for the future of the Canadian ethanol industry,” said John C.S. Lau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Husky Energy. “The ethanol industry is also important to the people of Minnedosa, Western Canadian grain growers and the country at large. Husky has been a pioneer in developing this renewable fuel source to help reduce vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.”
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 $1-billion to the Clean Energy Fund and $1 billion for 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 $72.8 million in new funding to an ethanol plant in Minnedosa, Manitoba. Treasury Board President, Minister Vic Toews, celebrated this announcement and 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
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
Graham White
Corporate Communications
Husky Energy Inc.
403-298-7088, 403-828-0108
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