The University of Manitoba's Government Relations Office, in partnership with the Council on Post-Secondary Education, presents the Breakfast & Brainstorms Speaker Series at the Manitoba Legislative Building.  The Series is designed to bring public policy decision makers and influencers together with University of Manitoba researchers.

The most recent session, Biofuels and Renewable Energy: Opportunities and Challenges, was held on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008.  Dr. Anita Brûlé-Babel, a Professor in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Manitoba, was the speaker. 

Global warming and record high oil prices have turned public attention and government policy to biofuels and alternative renewable energy sources which will reduce reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.  Bioethanol has been widely supported as an alternative fuel.  Rapid expansion of the bioethanol industry has led to the identification of important issues for the long-term sustainability of this industry.  Dr. Brûlé-Babel leads a team of researchers conducting innovative research that addresses the full value chain for bioethanol production. Dr. Brûlé-Babel provided an overview of this research and discussed considerations for development of sustainable biofuels and renewable energy industries.

Individuals who attended the session include: Her Honour Lenore Berscheid, Spouse of Manitoba's Lieutenant Governor; Minister Diane McGifford, Manitoba's Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy; Minister Jim Rondeau, Manitoba's Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines; Mr. Doug Martindale, MLA (Burrows); Mr. David Faurschou, MLA (Portage la Prairie); Dr. Jon Gerrard, Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party and MLA (River Heights); Ms. Heather Reichert, Deputy Minister for Advanced Education and Literacy; Mr. Gerald Farthing, Deputy Minister for Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth; and Mr. Ron Perozzo, Deputy Minister for Manitoba Justice.

Mr. John Alho, the University of Manitoba's Associate Vice-President (External), making opening remarks

Dr. Brûlé-Babel


Far left: Mr. Doug Martindale, MLA (Burrows)
From right: Ms. Heather Reichert, Deputy Minister for Advanced Education and Literacy, Minister Diane McGifford, Manitoba's Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy

From left: Dr. Digvir Jayas, Associate Vice-President (Research) at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Jon Gerrard, Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party and MLA (River Heights)

From right: Her Honour Lenore Berscheid, Spouse of Manitoba's Lieutenant Governor, Minister Jim Rondeau, Manitoba's Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines

Far left: Mr. David Faurschou, MLA (Portage la Prairie)

*   *   *