2017 WPAC AGM WPAC Members, HELLO EVERYONE, WHERE HAS THE YEAR GONE? On behalf of the board of directors of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada, I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend the 2017 annual general meeting and industry confer -ence September 18 to 20 in Ottawa, Ontario. The Wood Pellet Association of Can -ada’s conference and annual general meeting is Canada’s largest gathering of the Canadian wood pellet industry. Each year, this event attracts hundreds of wood pellet, biomass and bioenergy professionals from across the country, as well the U.S., Europe and Asia, to discuss the issues and opportunities that are im -pacting the industry here in Canada. Our theme this year is “Contributing to Canada’s Low-Carbon Future.” In 2016, the Federal government announced they intend to phase out the use of coal in power generation by 2030 as part of its clean-energy strat -egy. This year the federal government and the provinces agreed to the Pan Canadian Climate Framework. There is no question that Canada is committed to reducing green house gas emissions from power and heat. We have chosen Ottawa as our venue this year and have partnered with IEA Bioenergy to ensure government understands the import-ant role wood pellets can play in their overall strategy. IEA Bioenergy shares a common goal of reduced GHG emis-sions from energy use and promoting sustainable options like wood pellets as a fuel option. Monday, September 18 is our pre-conference day and AGM. We invite all WPAC members to join us for our AGM to get an update on the work your association is doing to better our indus -try. We will have two very important workshops you will not want to miss. In the morning we will explore quality standards, their importance and how to obtain certification. In the afternoon we will explore sustainability, why we need to be on top of this very important issue and the Sustainable Biomass Program. WOOD PELLET ASSOCIATION OF CANADA & CONFERENCE Expanding Horizons: New opportunities for Canadian biomass Join industry thought leaders as they educate us on these two very important industry topics. There is also a tour of a local wood pellet producer and a nearby biomass heating installation. A full day with something for everyone! This year’s conference will have a full day all about biomass co-firing and ded -icated firing. On Tuesday, September 19 join us for an introduction to biomass co-firing, the impact of this globally and the potential benefits for Canada. Also, get an update on the current and future pellet market outlook. Hear why bio-mass conversions work from generators who have done this successfully and learn about the policy and legislation impacting our industry. Wednesday, September 20 is dedi -cated to wood pellet heat. Hear industry leaders explain the case for wood pellet heating, the current markets and more. Listen to what is being done to develop the heat market in North America and in Europe. Get an update on the all the great work being done by WPAC’s safety committee and hear the story of Candace Carnahan. There will be lots of networking opportunities between sessions and a kick-off party celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday on Monday night at the Mill Street Brewery with live en-tertainment. Built in 1842, the historic Thompson-Perkins Mill pays homage to the rich Canadian history of brewing, as brewery and distillery operations have flourished in the vicinity of the flats and Chaudière Island over centuries. The site and building offer unique views of the Capital, attractive access to the Ottawa River and exemplify the history and in-dustrial heritage of Canada’s capital re -gion. Entertainment will be provided by Anna Ludlow. Anna combines traditional Cape Breton style Celtic music with jazz, blues and electronic influences to create her own unique style of music she likes to call Maritime fiddle fusion. See you all in Ottawa this September. Rene Landry President Wood Pellet Association of Canada Canadian BIOMASS 21
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