Union Gas partners with Long Lake #58 First Nation to develop welding skills

$2,700 grant to purchase welding equipment

THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Union Gas is providing Long Lake #58 First Nation with a $2,700 grant to purchase two welders for the secondary school's education program.

A shortage of skilled trade workers such as welders is one of the biggest challenges facing Canadian business today. The welding equipment will provide the 450 on-reserve members and secondary school students with an opportunity to build a skill that will give them a competitive edge in the job market.

Wendy Landry, Union Gas manager of First Nations, Métis and municipal affairs and David Sword, Union Gas Northeast district manager, presented the cheque today to Long Lake #58 First Nation Chief Alan Towegishig and Councillors at the Westford Community Centre.

"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 Landry. "That's why we support important educational programs in the communities we serve, such as the Long Lake #58 First Nation education program."

"Long Lake # 58 First Nation welcomes companies like Union Gas who are proactive within the community, enhancing the educational opportunities that will benefit our current and future members," said Towegishig. "This fosters stronger and better relationship with companies that have the same vision for developing the First Nation's workforce. We look forward to our continued cooperation."

With our deep roots in Ontario, Union Gas has built a foundation of strong, mutually-beneficial relationships with First Nations and Métis peoples in the communities and regions where we operate. This is central to providing certainty to our business and supports the vision, purpose and values of the company's Charter. For more information visit uniongas.com/community/aboriginal.

About Long Lake #58 First Nation
There are approximately 1,300 members registered to Long Lake #58 First Nation with about 450 of them living on-reserve. The off-reserve population resides in the area's local municipalities as well as in the City of Thunder Bay and other parts of Ontario and Manitoba. While holding on to our history and traditional ways of life, Long Lake #58 First Nation is a model for others to follow with a growing youth population we have recognized the need to generate sustainable economic development opportunities and to participate in the regional economy.  It is our responsibility today to create a better quality of life for those who follow and that has become the number one priority for our First Nation's leaders. We are a progressive and proud people, striving for self-sufficiency through education, economic development, social development and participation in the regional economy while managing our rightful lands and resources.

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, 2013 and 2014. For more information, visit uniongas.com or find us on Twitter: twitter.com/uniongas, Facebook: facebook.com/uniongas and YouTube: youtube.com/user/uniongas.

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

Union Gas Limited
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]

Long Lake #58 First Nation
Chief Allen Towegishig
Cell: 1-807-853-5959
Henry Waboose
Band Manager
Cell: 1-807-620-9116