Another successful Maple Leaf Ball was recently held in Boston, with TransCanada serving as a proud sponsor at this premiere event.

This is the second year that TransCanada has sponsored the Maple Leaf Ball, which raises funds to support the Maple Leaf Student Exchange Program. The event has been held each November in Boston since its inauguration in 1985.

The Maple Leaf Foundation was founded by a group of businessmen in the Boston area to promote trade and an improved understanding between the world's two largest trading partners. One of the foundation’s initiatives is the Maple Leaf Student Exchange Program. The exchange is held each year between a Boston public high school and students from a Canadian city. The two-week exchange involves 10 students and two staff members from each school. This is the 22nd anniversary of the Maple Leaf Foundation's very successful program.

“We are proud to partner with the New England-Canada Business Council and Maple Leaf Foundation to support the student exchange through sponsorship of the Maple Leaf Ball. This program is a great way to foster understanding and build relationships between our two countries,” says Craig Frew, vice-president, U.S. Pipelines. "TransCanada recognizes the importance of supporting programs that promote the values of education, cooperation and cultural tolerance.”

The New England-Canada Business Council (NECBC) was formed in 1981 to bring together businesses and individuals who share a common interest in strengthening the business, political and cultural ties that have historically existed between Canada and New England. Today, the Council's membership is composed of business leaders from a wide range of sectors including energy, banking, law, consulting, and high technology, as well as government and academic officials and individuals with links to Canada.

The Council’s events provide forums for business executives from both sides of the border to interact and discuss important issues, fostering invaluable business relationships. Ambassadors, American and Canadian government leaders, journalists, and key corporate executives have made presentations to members about timely national, regional, and industry-specific issues. This diverse group provides for a unique and healthy exchange of ideas on an array of issues currently having an impact on the New England-Canada relations.

For more information, contact Susannah Pierce, TransCanada's director, government relations at 609.924.5379.