La Tuque biomass projects get federal funding boost

Bioénergie La Tuque (BELT) is receiving $500,000 in repayable contribution to carry out feasibility studies needed to start up a biorefinery that would convert forest biomass into biofuels.

John Lewis, a subsidiary of Groupe Rémabec, is getting a $569,250 contribution to install a third finishing line and moulding equipment in its La Tuque wood processing plant. The plant produces popsicle sticks for the food industry from white birch logs.

“CED’s contribution to Bioénergie La Tuque’s biorefinery project will help maintain the tempo required for our 50-member team to produce the studies in a timely manner. The BELT project requires support from the various levels of government, as well as industry. Today’s announcement is therefore encouraging, and we thank CED for its investment,” Patrice Mangin, director general of Bioénergie La Tuque, said in a news release.

“Canada’s manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the economy, accounting for more than 10 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product and employing 1.7 million Canadians. Its performance is central to the overall health of the economy. That is why we are investing in Canada’s large wood industry. These investments will allow the manufacturing sector to remain a key source of jobs, trade and innovation in Canada,” Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED, said in the release.