WESTERN CANADA TO EXPAND BIODIESEL INDUSTRY

The western Canadian biodiesel industry will receive a marketing boost with a $330,000 investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada. A new market development program is being implemented to increase public and business awareness and demand for biodiesel, and showcase its environmental benefits.

"This initiative will foster the growth of Western Canada's emerging biodiesel industry and support efforts aimed at increasing commercial production," said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agrifood and Minister of the Canadian Wheat Board on behalf of Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Saskatchewan is well-positioned to thrive in this sector and this initiative will help stimulate and promote this environmentally-friendly energy option."

"We are pleased to work with the federal government on the promotion and development of the renewable fuel industry in our province," Biggar MLA Randy Weekes said on behalf of Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Research Council Lyle Stewart. "As a leader in the renewable fuel industry, we welcome this initiative to increase awareness of biodiesel with the anticipation that it will help create markets and stimulate economic growth."

Western Economic Diversification Canada in partnership with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), the Fraser Basin Council Society (FBC), Climate Change Central (CCC), and the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) will implement a biodiesel market and cluster development project in all four western provinces: Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. This market development project focuses on increasing demand for biodiesel through increasing knowledge about the fuel, awareness of its environmental benefits, creating helpful user information and tools and providing first-user incentives.

"SRC provides Smart Fuel Solutions to contribute to a more sustainable transportation system and provide new opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses," SRC's Energy Conservation director Grant McVicar said. "Biodiesel is a viable option for Saskatchewan agricultural producers, fleet vehicle operators and motorists currently operating diesel engines. We are pleased to help potential users and producers appreciate how we all can benefit from choosing alternative fuels."

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

-30-

For more information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942
Email: www.wd.gc.ca

Karen Potter
Saskatchewan Research Council
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-7089
Email: www.src.sk.ca