News Workforce
Paper Excellence announces scholarship fund in partnership with Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

Paper Excellence recently announced the creation of a $50,000 scholarship in partnership with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT).

Through this fund, students of self-declared Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis) enrolled full-time in a trades and industrial diploma or apprenticeship level program at any SIIT campus or community-based location will be able to apply for two annual $5,000 awards.

“It’s our pleasure to work with SIIT to create this scholarship, especially as our company looks to increase our operations in Saskatchewan with plans to restart the Prince Albert pulp mill in addition to our ongoing business at Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp,” said Carlo Dal Monte, vice-president of energy and business development at Paper Excellence.

Paper Excellence’s original donation of $25,000 will be matched by Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship (SIOS) program.

“Thank you, Paper Excellence, for your investment in our students and their futures,” said Riel Bellegarde, president and CEO of the SIIT. “These scholarships will help to alleviate financial barriers, and support students in pursuing their educational and career goals in the skilled trades.”

The support provided by SIOS, an initiative of the Ministry of Advanced Education, brings the fund total to $50,000. SIOS matches funds raised by post-secondary institutions through private sector and community-based partners.

“Thank you to Paper Excellence for partnering with SIIT to support students, along with their efforts to strengthen our communities and economy,” Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky said. “These supports assist students as they achieve their educational goals, transition to employment and participate in the growth of the Saskatchewan economy.”

Paper Excellence has made community investments in Saskatchewan over the past several months, including the creation of a $50,000 scholarship fund with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, a $12,000 donation to the NorthWest Community Lodge Association Inc., a $10,000 donation to Buckland Fire & Rescue, and a variety of local community donations including the Prince Albert YWCA, Prince Albert Food Bank, and S.H.A.R.E. Prince Albert.