EnCana Corporation, one of North America’s leading oil and natural gas producers, has announced a $150,000 contribution to UNBC’s Northern Medical Programs Trust towards the education and retention of physicians in northern communities.

EnCana’s contribution is part of a major fundraising initiative driven by 25 communities throughout Northern BC that have pledged to raise a total of $6 million to help provide financial assistance and incentives to medical students enrolled in the Northern Medical Program. EnCana’s contribution, which helps fulfill the pledges of the Northeast regional areas including Fort Nelson, Fort St John, Hudson’s Hope, Taylor, and Dawson Creek, raises the current total from the area to $486,107. This is just over half-way towards their total pledge amount, based on population, of $918,000.

 “Health and wellness are core employee values at EnCana,” says Mary Ann Steen, Manager of Community Investment. “Our support highlights EnCana’s commitment to projects that contribute to the health and wellbeing of the members in the communities where we are privileged to operate. We are really pleased to be a partner in this important initiative.”

“This generous donation to the Northern Medical Programs Trust demonstrates an ongoing relationship that exists between our region and the companies that do business here,” says Kathleen O’Neill, Chair of the North Peace NMPT Support Group. “Thank you EnCana for contributing to the future health of our residents.” 

The Northern Medical Program has a particular focus on educating future doctors who have both the skills and the attitude necessary to practice in northern communities. As part of the expanded UBC Faculty of Medicine, it uses state-of-the-art technology in the delivery of curriculum to UNBC. The first 25 students – including two from Fort Nelson and two from Dawson Creek – began their studies at UNBC this past January

EnCana Corporation is one of North America’s leading natural gas producers, and the largest holder of oil and gas resource land onshore North America. EnCana focuses on contributing to the strength and sustainability of the communities in which it is privileged to operate. In 2004, EnCana invested more than C$15 million in these communities, and expects to contribute an additional C$15 million in 2005.  EnCana subscribes to the Imagine Canada program, which sets a benchmark for corporate giving at one percent of pre-tax profits.

Contact:

Mary Ann Steen, Manager of Community Investment, EnCana – 403.645.4700

or Robert van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622