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McGuinty Government Supports Bioproducts Innovation Centre
THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 15 /CNW/ -
NEWS
A biorefinery that would act as a "test-bed" for developing environmental
technologies and clean alternatives to fossil fuels will be the centrepiece of
a new bio-economy research centre in Thunder Bay according to a report
released today.
The report from a seven-member task force
(http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/CRIBE052108_bd2.asp) - outlines the
province's vision for the Centre for Research and Innovation in the
Bio-Economy (CRIBE)
(http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/news/CRIBE052108_bd2.asp).
CRIBE will focus on commercializing new bioproducts, such as eco-friendly
fuels, composites and chemicals, and replacing products and services which
have traditionally relied on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change.
Supporting innovation is part of the McGuinty government's five-point
plan (http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/budgetsplash/) for growing Ontario's economy.
QUOTES
"Innovation is the key to growing our existing businesses faster, and
turning the rising global demand for renewable carbon-based fuels into new
jobs, new industries and new investment for Ontario," said Minister of
Research and Innovation John Wilkinson
(http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/about/MinisterBio.asp).
"Investing in research and innovation will strengthen and diversify our
resource-based economy and help ensure Ontario's abundant forest resources
continue to provide a sustainable future for our forest industry and the
communities that depend on it," said MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan Bill Mauro
(http://www.billmauro.onmpp.ca/).
"Ontario's investment in CRIBE demonstrates that our government is
responding to the challenges facing our province and our resource sector in
the 21st century. By supporting innovation, we can drive new job creation and
prosperity," said Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle
(http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/about/executives_e.asp).
<<
QUICK FACTS
- The global renewable and bioproducts industry is expected to exceed
$125 billion in revenues by the year 2010.
- Forest bioproducts contribute an estimated $1 billion to Canada's
economy (http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/factsheets/bioproducts).
- Ontario produces close to 50 million tons of biomass a year, which
has the potential to produce enough energy to meet the needs of seven
million Ontario homes.
- CRIBE will position Thunder Bay as a global leader in the bio-economy
by combining the strength of Ontario's 27 million green cubic meters
of forests with the province's world-class R&D capacity.
- Ontario announced a $25-million investment in CRIBE back in May.
LEARN MORE
About other ways Ontario is helping people turn good ideas into
innovative, globally competitive businesses, including the Innovation
Demonstration Fund
(http://www.mri.gov.on.ca/english/programs/idf/guidelines.asp), the Ontario
BioAuto Council (http://www.bioautocouncil.com/) and the Next Generation of
Jobs Fund (http://www.ontario-canada.com/ontcan/en/nextgen_main_en.jsp).
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BACKGROUNDER
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CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN THE BIO-ECONOMY
>>
In May 2008, Ontario announced a $25-million investment to establish the
Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE) in Thunder Bay.
A seven-member task force was appointed to develop a report with
recommendations to the Minister of Research and Innovation on the scope and
function of the new centre.
CRIBE TASK FORCE REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
In a report submitted to Minister of Research and Innovation John
Wilkinson, the CRIBE task force outlines a number of recommendations to guide
the future operation of the centre. The recommendations include:
Not-For-Profit Structure: CRIBE will be structured as a not-for-profit
corporation, reporting to a Board of Directors under the leadership of a Chief
Executive Officer (CEO). Board membership will include individuals with
appropriate skills and perspectives to ensure the success of CRIBE.
CRIBE Location: An investment of $3 million will be dedicated to the
salaries, start-up costs and the construction and lease of dedicated CRIBE
space in the proposed Northern Ontario Resources Development for the 21st
Century (NORD21) facility at Lakehead University. NORD21 is currently pending
approval by the provincial and federal governments. If approved, it will be a
state-of-the-art research facility focused on sustainable economic growth in
the forestry, mining and manufacturing sectors.
Information Meetings: The final structure of CRIBE will be presented at a
series of information meetings that will be held in Northern Ontario.
Securing Fibre Supply: The Ministry of Natural Resources will work with
CRIBE to facilitate a fibre supply for research, development and demonstration
activities.
Bio-Refinery Project Partnership: CRIBE's initial effort and resources
will be directed to developing a pilot bio-refinery initiative in Thunder Bay
that will provide a "test bed" for new products and processes that use wood
fibre as a raw material and lead to next generation forestry products.
This project would establish the reputation of CRIBE and draw more
entrepreneurs and business capital to the region.
<<
MEMBERS OF THE CRIBE TASK FORCE
- George Ross (Chair) - Deputy Minister, Ministry of Research and
Innovation
- Ian de la Roche - President and Chief Executive Officer,
FPInnovations
- Frederick F. Gilbert - President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead
University
- Patricia Lang - President, Confederation College
- Bill Mauro - MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan
- Lynn Peterson - Mayor, City of Thunder Bay
- Harvey Yesno, President and CEO, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
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For further information: Sandra Watts, Minister's Office, (416) 314-7067; Perry Blocher, MRI Communications Branch, (416) 326-7717
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