The federal government's contribution to NOVA Chemicals $2.2-billion polyethylene project is far less than Ontario's commitment but the company said it's grateful nonetheless.
A $35-million investment under Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund was quietly made by Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, January 23 in Davos, Switzerland.
Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu says she wished they had made more of an announcement but notes "they have been on record as not being fans of fossil fuel projects in general so I'm glad to see that at least they did support this project."
Gladu expressed disappointment no federal government officials attended the project announcement in Sarnia in late 2017 but said she still expected funding from Ottawa would be in line with the province's $100-million.
Bains said in a news release that “In addition to helping create and maintain 2,200 jobs in Ontario and Alberta, the Strategic Innovation Fund investment in NOVA Chemicals will further R&D and innovation and will result in more environmentally friendly chemical production."
NOVA Chemicals Senior Vice President Naushad Jamani said they're grateful to the federal government for its support.
“With our multi-billion dollar investment in Canada, we will expand NOVA Chemicals’ facilities in Ontario by over 50 percent, further develop our proprietary technology, and grow our already significant R&D and innovation capabilities in both Alberta and Ontario," said Jamani. "We are proud to enhance our asset base in Canada, provide stable, high-paying jobs and help make Canada an even bigger global player in the petrochemicals industry.”
The Calgary-based company announced December 8 that it's building a new polyethylene plant next to its Corunna facility at Rokeby Line and Hwy. 40 in St. Clair Township and is expanding the existing ethylene plant.
The project is to begin commercial production in late 2021.
Up to 1,400 construction jobs and 150 permanent positions will be created.