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July 5, 2007 SELKIRK FUEL TESTING CENTRE EXPANDED WITH $614,000 IN FUNDINGSelkirk, Manitoba – Manitoba’s only fuel testing centre will be expanded to provide state-of-the-art services to the province’s biodiesel industry. The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement is providing $351,500 while Natural Resources Canada is contributing $262,500 to Manitoba Hydro’s Selkirk laboratory to provide a critical service required by the biodiesel industry.
The Honourable Jim Rondeau, Manitoba Minister of Science, Technology Energy and Mines; James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk–Interlake, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification; made the announcement today.
“This announcement further confirms our commitment to biofuels in Manitoba,” said Rondeau. “As a relatively new fuel to the market, it is critical that consumers have confidence that the product they are using meets the highest quality standards.”
“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people of Manitoba by fostering growth in the biodiesel industry,” said MP Bezan, on behalf of Minister Ambrose. “Our investment of $614,000, will create an environment where Manitoba businesses involved in this important industry are provided with the right conditions to thrive and succeed.”
"We're very pleased to be adding biodiesel research and testing to the capabilities available from our chemical lab in Selkirk,” said Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Bob Brennan. “One of Manitoba Hydro's principal goals is to be proactive in protecting the environment and the leading utility in promoting sustainable energy supply and service -- and we already use biodiesel fuel in many of our own fleet vehicles. Providing testing of biodiesel fuel locally will make a big difference to the development of the industry in the province."
Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable alternative to petroleum diesel, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Biodiesel can be blended with regular diesel and used in all existing diesel vehicles and equipment. Cost-effective fuel quality testing is seen as a major facilitator to the more widespread development of biodiesel production in Manitoba. Funds will be used to expand the Manitoba Hydro laboratory in Selkirk allowing the facility to provide a full range of biodiesel fuel quality testing. As no other facility in Manitoba provides this service when the Centre is fully booked, a producer must currently send his fuel sample out of province and pay over $1,500 for complete testing. Expanding the biodiesel testing initiative will provide complete testing at cost, thereby saving a Manitoba producer approximately $300.
The facility will ensure that Manitoba biodiesel meets appropriate quality standards before it is distributed to the public. Equipment for the lab has been ordered and the facility should be operational by fall 2007.
Under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together and in partnership with community stakeholders to build the economy and strengthen communities. These priorities promote economic growth and diversification in the province. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.
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