Union Gas helps promote Trades to Aboriginal Youth

$40,000 to support "Skills Work!® For Aboriginal Youth" program

WATERLOO, ON, May 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Union Gas presented $40,000 today to Skills Canada - Ontario to fund the second year of a two-year commitment which allows Skills Work!® For Aboriginal Youth to continue its outreach efforts to Aboriginal groups across the province.

During a time when there is a shortage of skilled workers to meet growing demand across many industry sectors, the in-school program encourages thousands of Aboriginal youth to pursue career opportunities in the skilled trades and technology sectors. The initiatives include such things as summer camps for Grade 7 and Grade 8 students, hands-on workshops and the Ontario Technological Skills Competition.

Mike Shannon, vice president of distribution operations for Union Gas, presented the cheque to Gail Smyth, executive director of Skills Canada - Ontario, today at the executive breakfast of the Ontario Technological Skills Competition in Kitchener-Waterloo.

The grant supports two Aboriginal liaison officers, one in London and one in Sault Ste. Marie, who travel across the province to promote careers in skilled trades and in technologies.

"This program has long-term benefits for Aboriginal communities and for the province's economy, as skilled trades are necessary for Ontario companies to remain current and competitive," said Shannon. "At Union Gas, we're honoured to be again partnered with Skills Canada - Ontario, an organization that we've been involved with for over a decade."

Skills Canada - Ontario, which facilitates the Ontario Technological Skills Competition, is a not‐for‐profit organization with a mandate to promote careers in the skilled trades and in technologies as viable, first‐choice career options for young people in Ontario.

"The financial and ongoing community support we receive from Union Gas provides us with the necessary resources to further impact the career choices of young people in Ontario," said Smyth.  "We are encouraged to see the interest being expressed by Aboriginal communities from across the province.  On behalf of the thousands of students we meet each year, I want to thank everyone at Union Gas for their contributions to our mandate."

Union Gas supports the economic development of Aboriginal people through a number of scholarships and skills development programs, and sponsorship of leadership development programs.

"Our continued support for Skills Work!® For Aboriginal Youth is one way we're acting on our commitment  to build long-term, productive relationships with Aboriginal communities based on mutual respect and economic opportunity," added Shannon.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited, a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers, assets of over $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across Ontario. Union Gas is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2011, 2012 and 2013. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

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About Skills Canada - Ontario
Skills Canada - Ontario is a not-for-profit organization that promotes careers in the skilled trades and technologies to young people in Ontario through a variety of competitions, programs and events. www.skillsontario.com

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

CONTACT

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