EDMONTON, Oct. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific
(TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) and one of Canada's earliest cavalry regiments - Lord
Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Regimental Society - continue
to build on a relationship dating back to the Boer War when one of
CP's founding fathers Donald Smith,
or Lord Strathcona and Mount
Royal, raised and equipped the 'Strathcona's Horse'.
At a ceremony at CP's South
Edmonton rail yard, which featured both modern and historic
tanks, a state-of-the-art CP locomotive, and mounted Strathcona soldiers in ceremonial uniforms, CP
and the Society re-affirmed a long-standing relationship, which
builds on CP's recent $100,000
donation to the Military Families Fund made during an event
celebrating the driving of the last spike.
"Canadian Pacific is deeply honoured to continue to be closely
linked with one of Canada's first
cavalry regiments," said CP President and CEO Fred Green, who met with soldiers of the
Regiment late September during training exercises at CFB
Wainwright. "CP is proud to take this next step with the
Strathcona's Horse Regimental
Society with this special partnership. We look forward to
supporting the unique needs of these fine men and women who so
proudly serve our country."
The multi-year agreement between Canadian Pacific and the
Regimental Society includes the following:
• CP will work with the Regimental Society to arrange
technical exchanges to showcase work skills and creativity of both
work forces
• Work with the Regimental Society to find ways to help the
career transition of troops to civilian life, once they decide to
retire from the Canadian Forces
• Provide scholarships for soldiers for transitional training
to a non-military career, as well as post-secondary scholarships to
encourage school-age children of soldiers to further their
education
• Provide funding for programs and services to support various
Society and military families' needs.
"Sir Donald Alexander Smith, more
widely known as Lord Strathcona, drove the last spike of the
Canadian Pacific Railway at Craigellachie, BC on 7 November 1885" said Major-General (Retired)
H. Cameron Ross,
Colonel-of-the-Regiment of the Strathcona's. "15 years later, in 1900,
he invested his own money and raised a cavalry regiment for service
in the Boer War in distant South
Africa. Lord Strathcona
could never have imagined that 'his' regiment would, after 5 years
of having a tank squadron on continuous combat duty in a faraway
place, be joining in a partnership with 'his' railway."
Major-General (Retired) Ross continued: "Strathconas - both serving
and retired - as well as their families, appreciate this very
generous initiative of Mr. Green in strengthening the bond between
CP and Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). We are very
grateful for the valuable opportunities that this will provide our
soldiers and their families. We feel privileged to be part of
a partnership, based on a common 'grandfather', which brings
together our similar sense of service to country."
Green added: "CP will also encourage others in corporate
Canada to increase their awareness
of the role and accomplishments of Canada's armed forces, the unique skills and
experiences that members of the Canadian Forces possess, and the
unique needs that result for the individual soldiers and their
families. By working with the Regimental Society, CP hopes to set
an example and make a positive impact on the lives of serving
soldiers, those returning from duty, and during their transition to
civilian life."
About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (CP:TSX)(NYSE:CP) operates a North American
transcontinental railway providing freight transportation services,
logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Incorporating
best-in-class technology and environmental practices, CP is
re-defining itself as a modern 21st century transportation company
built on safety, service reliability and operational efficiency.
Visit cpr.ca and see how Canadian Pacific is Driving the Digital
Railway.
About Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Regimental
Society
In 1974, the need for an organization dedicated to the preservation
of the history and traditions of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal
Canadians) Regiment was realized.
The Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Regimental Society
was formed under the Societies Act of Alberta with the following objectives:
- Fostering and supporting the Strathcona Family
- Facilitating communications within the Strathcona Family
- Protecting and enhancing the heritage of the Regiment
- Providing selected assistance to enhance morale, develop
skills, shape culture, and connect with Canadians
- Assisting and leading, where appropriate, special events
Visit the Society's website at: www.strathconas.ca
SOURCE Canadian Pacific