Union Gas Helps Celebrate National Aboriginal Day

$5,000 grant supports day-long festivities in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY, ON, June 21, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is pleased to help celebrate National Aboriginal Day (NAD) in Thunder Bay, courtesy of a $5,000 grant awarded today.

Ian Ross, Union Gas district manager for northwestern Ontario, along with Wendy Landry, Union Gas manager of First Nations, Métis and municipal affairs, joined the National Aboriginal Day festivities in Thunder Bay today to present the cheque to Ann Magiskan and Robert Graham, chair and co-chair of the NAD Thunder Bay Committee. Many citizens, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal attended today's festivities at Prince Arthur's Landing (Marina Park).

National Aboriginal Day provides Aboriginal people with a national day to celebrate their culture, spirit and connection to the land.  It also gives non-aboriginal communities and people the opportunity to be part of a positive celebration and learn more about various aspects of Aboriginal culture.

"Union Gas strives to be the partner of choice for communities, and that includes building long-term, productive relationships with First Nations and Métis communities," said Ross. "It is truly an honour to be a part of this special day that celebrates the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada."

"The NAD committee could not have planned this celebration without the generosity of Union Gas as our partner," said Magiskan.  "This funding will provide a feast to our celebration and those attending."

Over the past 100 years, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses, Union Gas has contributed to the province through significant economic investments, hundreds of jobs, millions in municipal taxes, energy efficiency programs, thousands of volunteer hours for community organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships.

Last year alone, Union Gas contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including more than $900,000 to United Way. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About Thunder Bay National Aboriginal Day Committee
The NAD committee is a combination of the First Nations and Métis communities coming together with various organizations in the city.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas, named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

CONTACTS:

National Aboriginal Day-Thunder Bay Committee
Ann Magiskan - Chair
684 City Road-Unit 3
Thunder Bay, ON
P7J 1K3

Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5490
Cell: 519 365-1010
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]