Government of Canada Strengthens Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Initiatives

July 22, 2008

Vancouver, British Columbia — The Government of Canada is investing in Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada to advance the development and commercialization of world-leading Canadian hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, products and services.

Federal funding of $1 million was announced today by Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification Canada.

"With our Government's contribution to this project, Canada will maintain its prominence as a leader in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology," said MP Menzies. "The Government of Canada is fulfilling its commitment to improve Canada's competitive position in scientific research and development."

Today's funding will help Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada (H2FCC) execute its five-year strategic and operational plan up to the year 2013. During this time the association will initiate and implement several market development and technology demonstration activities at the provincial, national, and international levels. This includes championing hydrogen and fuel cells as a technology to help address climate change and sustainable energy issues.

"Canada's hydrogen and fuel cell sector thanks the Government of Canada for its continued partnership in accelerating the development of innovative, 'made-in-Canada' hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and products," said John Tak, President and CEO of Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada. "Canadian hydrogen and fuel cell products will help address concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and energy security. The continued development of the sector will foster the growth of innovation-based jobs for Canadians."

H2FCC, a Vancouver-based non-profit national industry association, was established in 2000 to advance the development and commercialization of world leading hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, products and services, largely clustered in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. In addition to funding received from the Government of Canada, operations and activities of H2FCC are predominantly supported through membership fees, fees for services, including project management, and other sources.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.