OTTAWA – Forestry, energy and mining are the targeted sectors for the federal government’s new $155-million program that will fund clean technology projects, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental outcomes.
“Clean growth is good for our planet and our economy. It also plays to Canada’s competitive advantage with the clean technology innovation that will make our country a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources. “Strategically developing and using clean technologies in our natural resource sectors is one more way we can make Canada stronger and more sustainable, future-proof our economy and create new opportunities for generations to come.”
Both the Forest Products Association of Canada and FPInnovations have expressed support for the program.
The new Clean Growth Program is the first of its kind to promote and require collaboration with the provinces and territories. It will focus on five areas:
- Reducing greenhouse gas and air emissions from natural resource operations;
- Minimizing landscape disturbances and improving waste management in natural resource operations;
- The production and use of advanced materials and bioproducts in natural resource operations;
- Efficient energy use and productivity in natural resource operations; and
- Reducing water use and impacts on aquatic ecosystems from natural resource operations.
Budget 2017 committed $200 million to encourage clean technology in the natural resource sectors. Natural Resources Canada will deliver $155 million of this funding under the Clean Growth Program. The remaining $45 million will support clean technology research and the development, demonstration and adoption of clean technology through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Funding is open to natural resources and clean technology firms, federal researchers, Indigenous organizations and groups, and post-secondary institutions. For more information, visit https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/20254.