The Province of British Columbia is investing $10,000 to help host an international bioenergy conference beginning in Prince George tomorrow.

The sixth International Bioenergy Conference and Exhibition runs June 11-13, 2014, at the Prince George Civic Centre, with Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, opening and Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, closing the conference. About 450 participants are expected.

Bioenergy is an integral part of the growing renewable energy sector and global energy demand. This conference is the largest of its kind in North America and it is generating profile for British Columbia to key world markets, as well as attracting those customers and investors to B.C.

The provincial government has been involved in various ways over the years, from providing sponsorship funding to speakers to support for marketing and business development efforts.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“Our province supports initiatives that help to diversify and grow the economy. Bioenergy is a sustainable and growing sector and we are pleased to support this conference which will explore how to get biomass to the market. We look forward to hearing about the latest technologies that will revolutionize this industry, as well as important discussions about sustainability and the policy and economic environments driving its future.”

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

“B.C.'s bioenergy sector continues to grow. This conference provides a good opportunity to further grow the sector by establishing new business relationships.”

Michael Weedon, executive director, BC Bioenergy Network -

“We really appreciate the provincial government’s support of this International Bioenergy Conference. We thank Ministers Bond and Thomson for coming to speak this year. It’s the best way for us to keep our dialogue active with the government. We are learning together about the significant benefits of bioenergy development across all sectors in B.C. as we keep making advances in turning waste into valuable energy and redesigning our systems to use bioenergy to cut operating costs.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie -

“Our government is committed to sustainable resource development and practice. The International Bioenergy Conference will bring industry leaders together in Prince George, the gateway for B.C’s resource industry, giving them the opportunity to share ideas about the how to expand the bioenergy sector in British Columbia.”

Quick Facts:

• About 450 people are expected to attend this conference. The Ministry of International Trade will be working with sector specialists and Trade and Investment Representatives abroad. The conference goals align with the BC Jobs Plan which identifies technology, including clean and green technology, as a key sector for job growth in B.C.
• The $10,000 will help to advance investment and support the International Partnerships Forum held in conjunction with business-to-business meetings as well as a networking reception.

Learn More:

For more information visit http://www.bioenergyconference.org/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799