October 23, 2006

The University of Northern British Columbia will be engaged incutting-edge research on diabetes in children and the effects ofenvironmental contaminants on health thanks to a donation from HuskyEnergy. The company has contributed $100,000 to UNBC to allow theUniversity to purchase a Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile Auto Analyzer,which will be housed in the Dr. Donald Rix Northern Health SciencesCentre on campus.
 
The equipment is used in clinical settings and research projects tomeasure blood glucose levels, triglycerides, and so-called “good” (HDL)and “bad” (LDL) cholesterols. This single instrument aids in thediagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
 

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Joining UNBC President Don Cozzetto (second from left) for thecheque presentation this morning in Calgary were Husky Energy officials(from left) Don Ingram, Rob Peabody, and Greg Calpas.

“Husky’s donation to this very worthwhile initiative reflects ourcorporate philosophy of supporting the communities where we dobusiness,” said Mr. John C.S. Lau, President & Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Husky Energy Inc.  “This gift marks the completion of ourClean Fuels Project, as well as celebrates Husky’s 30th year ofoperations in the community of Prince George.”

“This new equipment will allow us to engage in research into variousforms of chronic disease where the capacity of early interventionthrough blood screening can greatly enhance health and diseaseprevention,” says UNBC President Don Cozzetto.  “Thank you toHusky Energy for making this research possible here.”
 
UNBC has a particular focus on teaching and research in areas of healthand human development. The Northern Medical Program currently accepts24 students per year and the program’s first students are now engagedin clinical practice at Prince George Regional Hospital. Other programsinclude a bachelor’s degree program in Nursing, a new Bachelor ofHealth Sciences, and a master’s degree program to provide students witheducation as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
 
Husky expanded and upgraded its Prince George light oil refinery toproduce low sulphur gasoline and diesel fuel to meet the Government ofCanada’s new fuel specifications.  Refinery throughput increasedfrom 10,000 to 12,000 barrels per day when the Clean Fuels Project wascompleted in May 2006.  

Husky’s refinery produces all grades of unleaded gasoline, seasonaldiesel fuels, a propane and butane mix, and heavy fuel oil.  Therefinery supplies both Husky’s and industry’s refined products needsfor central and northern B.C.  The local operation employs 84people.

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622