Canada’s New Government is responding to the need for innovation in the forestry sector to help mitigate the economic impact of Mountain Pine Beetle infestation, by investing $150,000 toward research and development of local forest bio-energy and bio-product commercial facilities.  This research will assist the diversification and sustainability of the economy of Quesnel and other rural communities.

Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George made the announcement today, 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.

“By diversifying their local economies, communities can survive the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation and thrive,” said MP Dick Harris. “The world is searching for new sources of energy and our investment of $150,000 for this initiative gives Quesnel the opportunity to be part of the solution.”

“The beetle is a huge challenge but, long term, it’s temporary,” said Quesnel Mayor Nate Bello. “We have a huge land base, and the world urgently needs energy and products from renewable sources. This project reinforces our Green City vision and helps us continue as a net wealth generator for Canada.”

Provided through the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), funding for this $225,000 project will enable the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation, along with its industry and university-based partners, to develop practical business cases for new industrial investment. Technologies and products to be examined include cogeneration, combustion, wood pellets, gasification, pyrolysis, bio-methane, bio-ethanol and bio-diesel.

The two-year Community Economic Diversification Initiative will provide more than $33 million in federal project funding to assist communities most affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation to diversify their local economies. Administered by Western Economic Diversification Canada, CEDI is part of the $200 million Federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program announced in January 2007.

Stakeholders and First Nations interested in applying for CEDI funding are encouraged to submit two-page Expressions of Interest by 5:00 p.m. (PST) on October 19, 2007. Further information and applications are available at http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/, or by contacting your local Community Futures office.

The Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation is a subsidiary of the City of Quesnel and is overseen by a board of community business volunteers. This project is one part of a wide-ranging strategic plan to aid Quesnel's diversification.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Tom Wakefield
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-2445
cellular: (604) 218-4395

Jim Savage
Executive Director
Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation
Cellular: (250) 991 2994

Web sites:
http://www.quesnelcorp.com/
http://www.quesnleinfo.com/