Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy

In May 2008, Ontario announced a $25-million investment to establish the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE) in Thunder Bay. A seven-member task force was appointed to develop a report with recommendations to the Minister of Research and Innovation on the scope and function of the new centre.

CRIBE TASK FORCE REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

In a report submitted to Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson, the CRIBE task force outlines a number of recommendations to guide the future operation of the centre. The recommendations include:

Not-For-Profit Structure:  CRIBE will be structured as a not-for-profit corporation, reporting to a Board of Directors under the leadership of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Board membership will include individuals with appropriate skills and perspectives to ensure the success of CRIBE.

CRIBE Location: An investment of $3 million will be dedicated to the salaries, start-up costs and the construction and lease of dedicated CRIBE space in the proposed Northern Ontario Resources Development for the 21st Century (NORD21) facility at Lakehead University. NORD21 is currently pending approval by the provincial and federal governments. If approved, it will be a state-of-the-art research facility focused on sustainable economic growth in the forestry, mining and manufacturing sectors.  

Information Meetings: The final structure of CRIBE will be presented at a series of information meetings that will be held in Northern Ontario.

Securing Fibre Supply: The Ministry of Natural Resources will work with CRIBE to facilitate a fibre supply for research, development and demonstration activities.

Bio-Refinery Project Partnership: CRIBE's initial effort and resources will be directed to developing a pilot bio-refinery initiative in Thunder Bay that will provide a "test bed" for new products and processes that use wood fibre as a raw material and lead to next generation forestry products.

This project would establish the reputation of CRIBE and draw more entrepreneurs and business capital to the region.

MEMBERS OF THE CRIBE TASK FORCE

George Ross (Chair) - Deputy Minister, Ministry of Research and Innovation

Ian de la Roche - President and Chief Executive Officer, FPInnovations

Frederick F. Gilbert - President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead University

Patricia Lang - President, Confederation College

Bill Mauro - MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan

Lynn Peterson - Mayor, City of Thunder Bay

Harvey Yesno, President and CEO, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund