MNP Issues Challenge for a Healthier Canada

National accounting firm to award $35,000 for Aboriginal health innovations

CALGARY, March 10, 2015 /CNW/ - MNP LLP, one of Canada's leading accounting and consulting firms, is calling on innovators throughout the country and around the world to participate in Operation Blue Sky: Aboriginal Health Initiative.

Under this MNP-funded competition, launching March 11, 2015, proposals will be awarded $35,000 in prize money for developing breakthrough, attainable healthcare strategies for Aboriginal communities.

As one of the largest professional services providers to Aboriginal communities and organizations in North America, MNP sees firsthand the health and socio-economic inequities between the Aboriginal population and the general Canadian population. Aboriginal people are up to five times more likely to suffer from Type 2 diabetes than non-Aboriginals, and report tuberculosis infection rates eight to ten times higher. Using HeroX, an online platform for running positive change competitions, MNP invites innovators to identify solutions to reduce these imbalances.

"The long-term goal of this challenge is to improve health and wellness outcomes for First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities through new ideas that create dialogue and inspire action to implement change," says Laurel Wood, MNP's  Executive Vice President of Clients and Services.

Operation Blue Sky: Aboriginal Health Initiative runs from March 11 to August 12, 2015. All entries in this unique crowd-sourced initiative will be predicated on collaborating directly with Canadian Aboriginal communities in addressing their unique health concerns.

"We view the HeroX Challenge as an opportunity to reach out to a wide and diverse population to find innovative ways to improve the current situation facing many people in Aboriginal communities," explains Clayton Norris, Vice President of Aboriginal Services with MNP.

The first place winner, as judged by a panel of healthcare experts and an MNP representative, will receive $25,000, with second-place and People's Choice winners awarded $5,000 each.

Find out more about Operation Blue Sky: Aboriginal Health Initiative at www.herox.com/mnpbluesky.

About MNP LLP
MNP is a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. We proudly serve and respond to the needs of our clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. MNP has developed a diverse suite of services designed to preserve our clients' traditions and position them for success. Through partner-led engagements, we provide a collaborative, cost-effective approach to doing business and personalized strategies to help organizations succeed across the country and around the world.

SOURCE MNP LLP

For further information: Nicole Asselin, Manager, Operation Blue Sky: Healthcare Initiative, MNP LLP, T: 1.866.465.1155, E: [e-mail]