Mr. Speaker, the Minister of the Environment has created a task force on ethanol which I have been asked to chair. I have in turn asked the hon. member for Lambton-Middlesex to co-chair this venture. In previous Parliaments the interest in ethanol as a motor fuel was driven by her predecessor, the hon. Ralph Ferguson, whose research effort and sustained enthusiasm will make our work much easier.
Ethanol is already in use in Canada in a limited way. Now is the time to expand its horizons. The addition of just 10 per cent ethanol to gasoline reduces carbon monoxide emissions by approximately 25 per cent. As well it raises octane ratings and helps to keep engines clean.
The accrued benefits to both urban and rural Canada make this renewable fuel initiative a natural path to follow.