The NewsRoom

Natural Resources Canada
2009/53
May 29, 2009

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Government of Canada Invests In High River Biodiesel

HIGH RIVER, ALBERTA — Thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, the Western Biodiesel’s facility in High River will receive up to $19.9 million over seven years to support biofuels development. Ted Menzies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Macleod, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, today made this announcement.

“The Government of Canada is delivering action for families and businesses in High River,” said Mr. Menzies. “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.

“These funds will help Western Biodiesel in our mission to develop innovative technologies to help broaden Canadians’ fuel choices,” said Dean Cockshutt, President and CEO of Western Biodiesel. “This investment will also result in greater workplace opportunities for the High River community.”

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. These initiatives are 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.

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Government of Canada is committed to providing up to $19.9 million in production incentives over seven years in new funding to a biodiesel plant in High River, Alberta. M.P. Ted Menzies 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.

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Media may contact:

Jasmine MacDonnell
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007

Or

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447

Or

Dean Cockshutt
President and CEO
Western Biodiesel Inc
(403) 818-5054

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.