The St. Paul Canadiens Alumni Foundation (Canadiens), STEP (St. Paul/Elk Point) Economic Development Alliance (STEP) and Portage College signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Sept 6 2022, committing to promote healthy communities through sports, education, community and economic development. The three partners first began working on the MOU in June.

The document outlines a number of mutually beneficial activities and initiatives including player recruitment for the Canadiens and the Portage College Voyageurs, the creation of scholarships and free academic upgrading courses for Canadiens players, volunteerism through the Portage College Gives Back Program, and promotion of the health benefits of hockey to kids in the region.

“Youth in our communities will be able to complete their high school and college education while continuing their passion for hockey,” said Nancy Broadbent, President and CEO of Portage College. “We’re so excited about the ability to offer courses to the St. Paul Canadiens to prepare them for transfer to our College and to the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference when they are ready.”

The economic and social impacts from the work and activities of Portage College together with the Canadiens as outlined in the MOU are of particular interest to STEP.

“The work will support learning with the commitment to community which marries well with the Alumni’s desire to celebrate their history and to bring attention and support to the Club, Alumni and region.” Said Linda Sallstrom, Economic Development Officer of STEP Economic Development Alliance.

Beyond the direct benefits to the players, College and community, the agreement also calls for the partners to promote truth and reconciliation through joint initiatives.

“Bringing focus to truth and reconciliation activities from all parties and collaborating on initiatives, will help all in our goals to bring awareness and knowledge towards reconciliation.” Said Armand Cardinal, Board Member of the St. Paul Canadiens Alumni Foundation.

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Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager 
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