Saint Mary's University Team Takes Home 3M Canada Award at Enactus 2017

VANCOUVER, May 10, 2017 /CNW/ - To tackle food insecurity in Canadian Indigenous communities, the Enactus team from Saint Mary's University created an aquaponics system that enables isolated communities to grow their own fruits, vegetables and fish year-around.

Their efforts were rewarded on Tuesday, May 9 at the 2017 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where the Saint Mary's team took home the award for 3M Canada Problem Solving Project Partnership Best Project for Aquality Solutions.

"At 3M, we are committed to improving our business, our planet and our everyday lives through science and collaboration," says Liisa Sheldrick, communications and 3Mgives leader, 3M Canada. "We believe that improving every life is a worthwhile pursuit, and projects like this reflect our belief in applying science to improve lives – with our customers, partners and communities."

To date, Enactus Saint Mary's has completed construction of its first solar greenhouse and is currently working toward building a 100 litre aquaponics system. The modular design can be easily scaled and implemented across other communities. Aquality Solutions also provides training to Indigenous peoples, providing them with the skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs and maximize their resources.

The 3M Canada Problem Solving Project Partnership is designed to empower Enactus teams with the resources needed to identify, create and deliver truly innovative projects that address the specific and unique needs and opportunities within Canada.

"Enactus students are innovative problem solvers and, thanks to partners like 3M, are ready to challenge the status quo for the benefit of social good," said Nicole Almond, president of Enactus Canada. Enactus Saint Mary's has a lot to be proud of today and we are excited to share the progressive changes they have made within their community."

Enactus Saint Mary's is a group of innovative students, working together towards one goal, to create positive change for Indigenous peoples.

The 3M Canada Problem Solving Project Partnership was awarded at the 2017 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where more than 1,500 delegates including the country's brightest university and college students, academic professionals and top Canadian CEOs came together to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.

For competition results during the event, please follow @Enactus_Canada on Twitter. All event results will also be published on enactus.ca/events/national-exposition.

ABOUT ENACTUS CANADA: Enactus Canada, the country's largest post-secondary experiential learning platform, is shaping entrepreneurial leaders who are passionate about advancing the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, more than 2,734 entrepreneurial post-secondary students led 280 community empowerment projects and business ventures last year in communities coast to coast. As a global network of 36 countries, Enactus uses the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. For more information, visitenactus.ca .

ABOUT 3M: At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Established in 1951, 3M Canada was one of the first international subsidiaries opened by 3M with the head office and original manufacturing site in London, Ontario where approximately 800 of the company's 1,800 employees work. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.ca or on Twitter @3M_Canada.

SOURCE Enactus

Media inquiries: Jen Falzon, Enactus Canada, [email protected], (416) 416-315-2099; Liisa Sheldrick, 3M Canada, [email protected], 519-282-1457