March 27, 2006

Northern BC’s ability to attract, educate, and retain physicians has improved thanks to a $100,000 donation to the Northern Medical Programs Trust, announced today by RBC.

With the donation, the total funds raised by the Trust have reached $3.7 million.

The Northern Medical Programs Trust is a partnership involving UNBC and two-dozen northern communities, with the aim of raising a $6 million endowment. The RBC contribution is being divided among all of the northern communities where the bank has operations:  100 Mile House, Burns Lake, Dawson Creek, Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Houston, Kitimat, Mackenzie, New Hazelton, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof, and Williams Lake.

"The vitality of northern BC's communities is very important to all of us who live here and RBC shares this commitment," says Don Kehler RBC Regional Vice-President Commercial Banking. "The Northern Medical Program is an exciting new development that has the potential to make significant contributions to the entire region. We're privileged to be part of it."

“RBC has been a longtime supporter of UNBC, contributing to the Archives of Northern BC, the Library, and student awards,” says UNBC President Charles Jago. “With this gift, RBC’s total investment with UNBC is $370,000.  We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated corporate partner.”

The Northern Medical Program is a partnership between UBC and the University of Northern British Columbia and is an integral part of the expansion of UBC's Faculty of Medicine. The goal of the program is to train physicians in the north for rural and northern practice. There are currently 49 students in the NMP.

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622