Canada Company Salutes Families of Fallen Canadian Forces

For the seventh straight year, Canada Company provides scholarships to children of heroes who perished in the line of duty

TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - This morning in the heart of Toronto's financial district, eight exceptional children of military personnel who perished while serving our country, received post-secondary scholarships from Canada Company. Representatives from Canada's business, political and military communities gathered together to salute the children and families that have been left behind.

Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army and Blake C. Goldring, Chairman of Canada Company and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AGF Management Limited were among those who participated in the scholarship presentation ceremony.

"Canada Company is proud to support the men and women who serve our country and will continue to honour the heroes who have fallen and their families," said Blake C. Goldring, Chairman of Canada Company and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AGF Management Limited. "Over the last seven years, Canada Company has seen children succeed, completing their undergraduate degrees and transitioning into adulthood. We are committed to ensuring that the children of those who have served our Country and paid the ultimate price are supported and that the sacrifice made by their parents is recognized."

"The Canadian Army appreciates all the support it receives from Canadians, be it from individuals or organizations like Canada Company. Today's scholarship recipients are a part of the extended Canadian Army family and we applaud Canada Company for all they are doing to ensure a bright future for these young people. The sacrifice of their family members will not be forgotten", said Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army.

The annual scholarships are provided as a tribute to fallen Canadian Forces personnel by Canada Company, a charitable business group that brings community leaders from across the country together to support Canadian soldiers in the work that they do at home and abroad. Each recipient is eligible to receive up to $4,000 per year for up to four years to help defray the costs of their post-secondary education. Since the fund was established in 2007, Canada Company has provided nearly $270,000 in scholarships to children of fallen Canadian Forces personnel. 

Laura Squires, daughter of the late Sergeant Hedley Jerry Squires and Mrs. Patricia Squires and Francis Paul, son of the late Captain Frank Paul and Mrs. Jane Paul expressed gratitude on behalf of all of the 2014 recipients.

"Speaking on behalf of the 2014 scholarship recipients, I wanted to express our thanks," said Laura Squires.  "Paying for a postsecondary education is not easy and we are grateful that Canada Company is here to support us."

The 2014 recipients of the Canada Company scholarships are:

Gale Gillam of Petawawa, Ontario is enrolled in the Nursing program at New Brunswick Community College.

Koven Mellish of Fredericton, New Brunswick is studying at the University of New Brunswick.

Kiera Mitchell of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is majoring in Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan.

Francis David Paul of Ottawa, Ontario is now working on a Masters degree in Film at York University after completing the Motion Picture Arts Program at Capilano University.

Marisa Paul of Ottawa, Ontario will attend Osgoode Hall Law School.

Laura Squires of Edmonton, Alberta is studying Commerce at Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton

Brittany Stewart of Petawawa, Ontario is enrolled in the Personal Support Worker program at Algonquin College.

Jasmine Vialette of Winnipeg, Manitoba is enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program at Dalhousie University.

About The Canada Company Scholarship Fund
The Canada Company Scholarship Fund provides $4,000 per year, for up to four years, to support the post-secondary education for children who qualify.  Children of Canadian Forces members who have died on duty while serving in an active role in a military mission of the Canadian Forces or reserves are eligible to apply. The Canada Company Scholarship Fund will provide scholarship grants to children dating back to January 1, 2002.

Canada Company scholarships have received leadership funding in the amount of $1 million from CIBC. Additional financial support was secured from Paul Desmarais, Jr., Power Corporation; Peter Munk, Founder and Chairman of Barrick Gold Corporation; Jim Balsillie; RBH Inc.; The W. Garfield Weston Foundation; The TD Bank Financial Group, BMO Financial Group; Scotiabank; Standard Life; Laurentian Bank of Canada / B2B Bank (formerly B2B Trust) and AGF Management Limited. Canada Company is calling on other members of the corporate community to contribute to this important initiative.

Canada Company oversees the fund through an independent committee, along with members of the Canadian Forces, to ensure that bereaved children have the opportunity to receive this scholarship.

About Canada Company
Canada Company is a federally registered charity created in 2006 which brings community leaders from across Canada together to support members of our Military in the work that they do at home and abroad. The organization is apolitical and is an advocate for Canadians who serve, or wish to serve, in the Canadian Forces - regular and reserve - and their families, ensuring that they receive the widest possible support, recognition and care. Canada Company's motto is Many Ways To Serve. Visit www.canadacompany.ca

SOURCE: Canada Company

Pamela Marchant
AGF Corporate Communications
416-815-6205
[email protected]

Emily Richardson
NATIONAL Public Relations
416-848-1715
[email protected]