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TORONTO—The provincial government’s move to increase Ontario-made content in biodiesel could rejuvenate the domestic industry and secure Canadian jobs, says Unifor.
“Ontario’s and Canada’s energy security must be a top priority,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “As with regulating the biodiesel market, there are many solutions at hand to strengthen the industry and create good jobs.”
The Government of Ontario announced that it will mandate domestic bio-based content requirements for both diesel fuel and gasoline placed in the Ontario market under the Cleaner Transportation Fuels regulation. Unifor hopes that the change will have a direct positive impact on the operation of the Biox facility on the verge of closing in Hamilton.
Unifor has campaigned for a domestic requirement to help set the market conditions that support good jobs at Ontario biofuel producers: “Unifor activists in the energy sector worked hard to make the case for modernizing regulations and investing in Ontario’s biofuels industry. They are doing important work to protect and create more good energy jobs,” said Payne.
In its submission to the government, Unifor urged all levels of government in Canada to coordinate with producers with the goal of supporting a steady and secure supply of inputs for biofuel production.
“The Ontario government has taken action to strengthen the biodiesel industry,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “We are prepared to work together with industry and regulators to ensure this change maximizes job creation for Ontario’s biodiesel sector.”
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
