Spectra Energy is contributing $90,200 to the University of Northern British Columbia in response to the critical need northern communities share in attracting and retaining health professionals. A long-standing supporter of the University, the company is investing in the Northern Medical Programs Trust, a unique collaboration involving UNBC, northern communities, and corporate supporters aimed at enhancing health care education and clinical care in the North.

The Northern Medical Programs Trust was established in 2003 and currently has an endowment of just over $6 million. Funds have been raised through community pledges that are based on population. The Trust currently has nearly 30 member municipalities and regional districts and more than a dozen have completed their pledges. Spectra Energy’s contribution will be used to offset outstanding community pledges in 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Chetwynd, Taylor, Fort St John, and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. The funds will provide enhanced opportunities for students enrolled in the Northern Medical Program and Nurse Practitioner Program at UNBC.

“Contributing in this way helps to strengthen community relationships with UNBC and the companies that do business in the region,” says UNBC President George Iwama. “I can’t say enough about Spectra Energy and its long-standing relationship with UNBC and the region other than ‘thank you.’ Over the past 15 years, Spectra Energy has contributed nearly $1 million to UNBC to support the medical trust, the building of the Dr. Donald Rix Northern Health Sciences Centre, and scholarships and awards for students. The company has been an incredible supporter of UNBC.”

To date, 73 UNBC students have benefited from Spectra Energy’s generosity and the majority of recipients have been Aboriginal students. In fact, Spectra Energy has provided more awards to Aboriginal students than any other UNBC donor.

The Northern Medical Programs Trust provides financial support to students who are enrolled in health professions at UNBC, especially those who undertake rural placements as part of their education.

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(left to right) NMPT President Art Kaehn, Family Nurse Practitioner student  Helen Hamel, UNBC President George Iwama, and Doug Bloom, President of Spectra Energy Transmission West


Northern BC mayors with representatives from Spectra Energy and UNBC President George Iwama