EnCana Supports Northern Medical Program
April 11, 2005 for immediate release
EnCana Corporation, one of North
America’s leading oil and natural gas producers, has announced a
$150,000 contribution to UNBC’s Northern Medical Programs Trust towards the education
and retention of physicians in northern communities.
EnCana’s contribution is part of a major fundraising
initiative driven by 25 communities throughout Northern BC that have pledged to
raise a total of $6 million to help provide financial assistance and incentives
to medical students enrolled in the Northern Medical Program. EnCana’s
contribution, which helps fulfill the pledges of the Northeast regional areas
including Fort Nelson, Fort St John, Hudson’s
Hope, Taylor, and Dawson Creek, raises the current total from
the area to $486,107. This is just over half-way towards their total pledge
amount, based on population, of $918,000.
“Health and wellness
are core employee values at EnCana,” says Mary Ann Steen, Manager of Community
Investment. “Our support highlights EnCana’s commitment to projects that
contribute to the health and wellbeing of the members in the communities where
we are privileged to operate. We are really pleased to be a partner in this
important initiative.”
“This generous donation to the Northern Medical Programs
Trust demonstrates an ongoing relationship that exists between our region and
the companies that do business here,” says Kathleen O’Neill, Chair of the North
Peace NMPT Support Group. “Thank you EnCana for contributing to the future health
of our residents.”
The Northern Medical Program has a particular focus on
educating future doctors who have both the skills and the attitude necessary to
practice in northern communities. As part of the expanded UBC Faculty of
Medicine, it uses state-of-the-art technology in the delivery of curriculum to UNBC.
The first 25 students – including two from Fort Nelson and two from Dawson Creek – began
their studies at UNBC this past January
EnCana Corporation is one of North America’s leading natural
gas producers, and the largest holder of oil and gas resource land onshore
North America. EnCana
focuses on contributing to the strength and sustainability of the communities
in which it is privileged to operate. In 2004, EnCana invested more than C$15
million in these communities, and expects to contribute an additional C$15
million in 2005. EnCana subscribes to
the Imagine Canada program, which sets a benchmark for corporate giving at one
percent of pre-tax profits.
Contact:
Mary
Ann Steen, Manager of Community Investment, EnCana – 403.645.4700
or Robert
van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622