The Canadian Pacific Partnership Program in Aboriginal Community Planning was announced today during an event at the U of S. Under the lead of a newly established research team, the program will bring together aboriginal and non-aboriginal academics and community leaders to find ways of enhancing aboriginal community development.

“The College of Arts & Science at the University of Saskatchewan is excited to augment our already strong focus on aboriginal issues through this agreement,” said Jo-Anne Dillon, dean of the college. “We are sincerely grateful to CP for their generous gift that will make this important concept a reality.”

The Canadian Pacific Partnership Program in Aboriginal Community Planning will be linked closely to the work of existing university researchers with expertise in planning, development and aboriginal scholarship. To help establish this new research team, the gift from CP, distributed over five years, will be allocated to student scholarships, an annual research symposium and support for the research team lead.

"Partnerships build opportunity," said Jane O'Hagan, Canadian Pacific's vice-president of strategy and external affairs. "CP is pleased to join the University of Saskatchewan and help develop the next generation of First Nations leaders."

Canadian Pacific, through the ingenuity of its employees located across Canada and in the United States, remains committed to being the safest, most fluid railway in North America. People are the key to delivering innovative transportation solutions to CP’s customers and to ensuring the safe operation of its trains through more than 900 communities. Canadian Pacific is proud to be the official rail freight services provider for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.

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For more information, contact:

Kirk Sibbald, Communications Officer
College of Arts & Science
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1982
Email: kirk.sibbald@artsandscience.usask.ca

Breanne Feigel, Manager of Media Relations
Canadian Pacific
Phone: (403) 319-3932 or Cell: (403) 589-6949
Email: breanne_feigel@cpr.ca
Web: www.cpr.ca