Government of Canada supports a net zero industry transformation

By investing in strategic projects that leverage regional assets and target greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, we can create a healthier environment and new economic opportunities. This will foster a strong, sustainable recovery and build a greener economy for all Canadians. The Government of Canada is investing to help Carboniq Inc. and Cimbec Canada Inc., the codevelopers of the Dalhousie Pozzolan project, conduct studies to produce a cementitious material to help decarbonize the cement industry, which is alone responsible for 7%–8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Diversifying for the future

Today, René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, announced a conditionally repayable contribution of $1,223,361 to Carboniq Inc. and Cimbec Canada Inc. as part of the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This investment will help Carboniq Inc. and Cimbec Canada Inc. complete the initial steps of a project to extract a natural pozzolan deposit, a rock of volcanic origin. These steps include assessing deposit size and quality and conducting environmental surveys in the work area in preparation for a future environmental impact study. The extraction and processing of this pozzolan have the potential to create up to 500 jobs during the construction phase, as well as 168 permanent jobs once the processing plant is in operation.

Dalhousie’s natural pozzolan deposit, the result of an accumulation of volcanic ashes over 400 million years ago, may play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of cement manufacturers by providing a material that does not need to be calcined to offer cementitious properties.

This project must be completed before any major mining developments can take place. The codevelopers also recognize the importance of engaging in dialogue with First Nations for any subsequent projects.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to focus on economic diversification to ensure the creation of good jobs and wealth, both now and for the future.

Quotes

“Transitioning to a low carbon economy is a priority for our government. The economy and the government go hand in hand, which is why we are committing to working with partners to create new opportunities as we transition to a greener, more sustainable economy.”

– Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“As New Brunswick moves away from coal, we are working with partners to help make this transition. This investment will help the proponents of the Dalhousie Pozzolan project and neighbouring communities diversify the economy, create jobs and prepare for the future.”

– René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche 

“We are especially pleased that the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, has agreed to support this project. This support will help us accelerate the development of this project, and therefore the decarbonization of our economy.”

– Réjean Carrier, President, Carboniq Inc. 

Quick facts

  • Incorporated in 2014, Carboniq Inc. provides expertise to identify and deploy solutions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting companies.
  • After founding what would become McInnis Cement in the Gaspé Peninsula, the largest cement plant in Canada, Cimbec Canada Inc. is continuing to develop initiatives that complement the cement and concrete industry.
  • The Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) – Infrastructure Fund is a $150 million fund that aims to help communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure.
  • In Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is delivering $55 million under the CCTI initiatives to support investments in infrastructure and economic diversification within communities preparing to transition away from coal.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Dominique Bouchard
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Dominique.Bouchard@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Réjean Carrier
President
Carboniq Inc.
Rejean.Carrier@carboniq.com