Growing the local green energy sector

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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A dynamic partnership in the Nipissing region is on track to grow the local green energy sector.

With support of $21,000 from Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Program, NECO Community Futures Development Corporation and Nipissing University are working with industry members to develop a plan to produce clean energy from organic waste.

This investment will help in the creation of five new jobs, stimulate new business and strengthen Nipissing’s economy.

A strong green energy industry is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to create jobs and opportunities that will boost the province’s economy. Environmentalist David Suzuki has applauded the province’s green energy initiatives, stating, “Ontario right now is a leader in North America.” Suzuki also told the Toronto Star that the province’s green energy policies are “groundbreaking.”

“By supporting the NECO Community Futures Development Corporation and Nipissing University, we’re helping to protect our environment, create jobs and grow the green economy right here in Nipissing,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing.

“In addition to greening the economy and creating jobs in the Nipissing region, the McGuinty Government is creating opportunities for farmers to contribute to clean renewable energy. Projects like this are good for our agri-food sector, our energy sector and for Ontario families,” said Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“With the province’s support, we can begin mapping out plans to establish a biomass working group in Nipissing. There is great opportunity for biomass development in this region that could lead to significant economic benefits,” said Patricia Aspin-Lecour, Executive Director, NECO Community Futures Development Corporation.

QUICK FACTS

 Ontario has invested more than $167 million in 412 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program and generated more than $1.2 billion in new economic activity.

 Biomass, or bio-energy, accounts for six per cent of Canada’s total energy supply. Large reserves of agricultural and forestry organic waste resources provide Ontario with an opportunity to substantially benefit from this renewable energy source.

 Environmentalist David Suzuki supports Ontario's Green Energy Act, which has helped create 20,000 jobs to date with a total 50,000 jobs on track.

 Ontario forecasts that by 2018, 10,700 megawatts of renewable power from wind, solar and bio-energy will have been brought online - enough electricity each year to power more than 2 million homes.

 Coal usage for the first six months of 2011 was 94 per cent lower than coal usage for the same period in 2003.

 In June, Ontario had an increase of more than 40,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.7 percent.

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