Keyano College, Bouchier and Finning Canada Partner on New Trades Student Endowment

Keyano College is excited to announce the creation of a new student endowment fund, thanks to the incredible generosity of Bouchier and Finning Canada.

These two industry leaders will contribute a joint commitment of $50,000 to create opportunities for the next generation of trades students right here at Keyano.

This fund will have a unique community connection through a special collaboration with the Northern Lights Health Foundation Festival of Trees. The winner of the 2025 Finning Canada and Bouchier holiday tree auction has been granted the naming rights to the fund. Northstar Ford placed the winning bid to secure these rights and is a key contributor to this initiative. The scholarships distributed from this endowment will be named the Northstar Ford Awards.

In a statement, Northstar Ford Dennine Giles stated, “We feel truly privileged to be a part of such an incredible initiative. This was an easy decision to make as we believe the women in our community deserve to be uplifted and empowered – and together, we’re making sure they are.”

“At Keyano College, we believe in building pathways that empower every learner to succeed. The generosity of Bouchier and Finning Canada ensures that more women and Indigenous students can access the training and supports they need to thrive in the skilled trades. This will strengthen our community and workforce,” said Keyano’s Interim President & CEO, Dr. Sandra Efu.

The fund will deliver two annual $1,000 awards for students at Keyano College, which will be accessible for the 2026–27 academic year:

• One award will be specifically designated for a female First Nations or Métis student enrolled in any skilled trades program.
• One award will be designated for any female student enrolled in a skilled trades program.

Trades instructors will select the recipients based on their academic achievement.

“Bouchier is proud to work alongside Finning Canada on this endowment fund, bringing two strong brands together to empower women and Indigenous students in the skilled trades,” said Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, CEO and Co-Owner of Bouchier. “This is how we build stronger communities and a more inclusive future”.

“We see firsthand how critical skilled trades are to northern Alberta. We're fortunate to work alongside Bouchier, a partner who shares our commitment to this region. This fund removes barriers so the next generation can access the training they need,” added Cheryl Gray, Vice President of Mining at Finning Canada.

This new endowment demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing education, equity, and workforce readiness in the Wood Buffalo region. By supporting students in the trades, the fund strengthens the region’s future economy and creates pathways for more women to thrive in industries vital to northern Alberta.

About Keyano College:
Keyano College, located in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, serves students through its Clearwater Campus and Suncor Energy Industrial Centre in Fort McMurray, AB. The college meets industry training needs and community enrichment by offering certificates, diplomas, trades qualifications, and degrees. Programs span energy, construction, business, health, arts, sciences, education, and more. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Keyano College increases access to post-secondary education, professional development, corporate training, Indigenous education, and Regional Stewardship programs in northeastern Alberta.

Media Contact:
Ercelan Yazdani
Associate Director, Marketing & Communications
Keyano College
Ercelan.Yazdani@keyano.ca