July 5, 2007 - Selkirk, MB - 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 announcement was made today by 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.

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/