March 17, 1999 For Immediate Release

Canada Trust has contributed $20,000 to the University of Northern British Columbia for bursaries to Environmental Studies students.

The endowment will support two annual bursaries of $1,000 each. UNBC's Environmental Studies program has a number of different majors that allow students to focus on social perspectives, scientific aspects, or environmental planning. Starting in September, there will be a new planning specialization in Energy that will prepare students for careers in the oil and gas industry and other parts of the growing energy sector. The courses that contribute to the Energy specialization will be taught in Fort St John.

"Sustainable development of the environment is crucial to the economy of northern BC, and the contribution from Canada Trust will be of tremendous value to students wanting to pursue an education in this exciting field," says UNBC President Charles Jago. "Environmental Studies is one of the most popular programs at UNBC."

"This contribution is in keeping with Canada Trust's focus on the protection and preservation of the environment," says Joe Morabito, Canada Trust Senior Vice-President for BC. "We recognize the importance of the Environmental Studies program at UNBC and established this endowed bursary fund to support students pursuing a course of study in this program."

Because Canada Trust is supporting bursaries at UNBC, the $20,000 contribution will be matched, dollar for dollar, by the Provincial Government. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need, while scholarships typically recognize academic achievement.

The Canada Trust bursaries will be awarded in the 1999-2000 academic year.