Local high school student advises former Prime Minister Paul Martin on Martin Aboriginal Initiative pilot project

NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday May 26, 2009

FORT FRANCES: As concern surrounding education and future business leadership continue to grow among Canada’s youth, the Martin Aboriginal Educational Initiative, along with the help and support of the Fort Frances BDO Dunwoody office, is creating opportunities to improve the future for one bright star in the Couchiching First Nation community.

Former Prime Minister Paul Martin quietly flew into Kenora, Ontario this past May 25 to have dinner with the first participants in his Martin Aboriginal Educational Initiative (MAEI) pilot program. Among the topics of discussion was the progress of the program, the effect it has had on the mentor, Caryn Myers of BDO’s Fort Frances office, as well as on the protégé, Morgan Krueger. The two have become fast friends meeting as often as their schedules allow, discussing school, life and where Morgan sees herself after high school. As part of the project, the two have decided to volunteer together to look after the financial records of the Fort Frances Folk Festival. This will provide Morgan with some hands on experience and in addition, benefit the local community and support this new group.

In speaking to Mr. Martin, it was evident that his focus would be on ensuring that this project is making a difference in the lives of those currently involved and would only continually improve for those participating in the future. Marie Allan, Senior Partner at BDO in Fort Frances, noted that Mr. Martin seemed personable and down-to-earth though very serious about aboriginal education. “Our student and mentor did very well and I think a lot of ideas were shared around the table. But mostly I think the dinner was an opportunity for Mr. Martin to say thank you to our office and our firm for taking this project on.”

This event was also a great opportunity for Morgan’s parents, Christine and Mike Krueger, also in attendance, to gain a better understanding of the program and its possible benefits to Morgan. With the help of Caryn Myers and the MAEI, Morgan now knows no bounds!

About BDO Dunwoody LLP

BDO Dunwoody LLP is Canada's sixth largest accounting services and advisory firm. Our team serves a highly diverse clientele, which includes owner-managed businesses, large enterprises, mid-market public companies, community organizations, not-for-profit agencies, and professional firms. From agriculture to real estate, technology to union pensions, and aboriginal communities to municipalities, the professionals of BDO Dunwoody have the expertise to handle any business sector.

BDO Dunwoody LLP is a Member Firm of BDO International. BDO International is a global network of public accounting firms, called BDO Member Firms, serving international clients.

About BDO International

BDO International is a world wide network of public accounting firms, called BDO Member Firms, serving international clients. Each BDO Member Firm is an independent legal entity in its own country. The network is coordinated by BDO Global Coordination B.V., incorporated in the Netherlands, with its statutory seat in Eindhoven (trade register registration number 33205251) and with an office in Brussels, Belgium, where the International Executive Office is located. The combined total fee income of all BDO Member Firms was US$ 5.14 billion in 2008. The global network has more than 670 offices in 110 countries, and more than 44,000 partners and staff provide business advisory services throughout the world.

Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative (MAEI)

Education is critical to improving the social and economic strength of Aboriginal people to a level enjoyed by other Canadians. MAEI supports various educational projects designed to provide Aboriginal Canadians with the opportunities they need to succeed. We recognize that Aboriginal youth must be supported so that they can realize their potential. These young people are the catalyst in turning Aboriginal economies around and in providing part of the solution to Canada’s forthcoming demographic challenge.

MAEI believes that the development of entrepreneurial and related skills will provide Aboriginal youth with an awareness of the business world and an incentive to continue their education. Our projects are chosen in discussion with the pertinent Aboriginal leadership, provincial and territorial education authorities and various national and regional business communities.

Currently we are sponsoring two initiatives:

Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Project
The goal of the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program is to encourage Aboriginal youth to stay in school, while developing the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in secondary school, the workplace, postsecondary education or training, and daily life. The program provides students with entrepreneurial opportunities and access to business ownership. The curriculum is designed to improve students’ proficiency in Business Mathematics, English, Accounting, Marketing, and Information and Communications Technology, while supporting the acquisition of leadership skills.

Each student is mentored by established business people, including Aboriginal business owners, throughout the planning and implementation process. Using the services of local banks, students open and maintain accounts to operate their businesses. Students are provided funding to cover start-up costs and must comply with all required record keeping and other accountability measures.

The first pilot project began in the 2006-2006 school year at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School (DFC) in Thunder Bay. Research by Lakehead University found that the program was successful and that because of the program, students had increased motivation, self-confidence and leadership. The DFC program has started its third cohort of Grade 11 and 12 students.

In the 2008-2009 school year, additional pilot projects were launched in Edmonton, Prince Rupert and Winnipeg. Regina will begin a pilot project in January 2010. Further sites will be announced in the future.

MAEI funds all start-up costs during the initial year, including the purchase of texts and learning materials, students’ resources, specialized training of two teachers and the principal, and 25% of the annual salary and benefits for the classroom teacher. The school is responsible to access funding of up to $500/student to fund the students’ business start-ups. The second year costs are shared between the school board, local business community and MAEI. In subsequent years, it is expected that a strong business community and its members as well as local school boards will cover all costs.

Accounting Mentoring for Aboriginal Students
The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) has partnered with MAEI, the Rainy River District School Board (in Fort Frances), Grand Council Treaty Three, BDO Dunwoody, the Grand Erie District School Board (in Brantford), Six Nations of Grand River, the Mississaugas of New Credit and KPMG to mentor Aboriginal youth who have an aptitude/interest in accounting careers.

Participating secondary school students are identified by their teachers and, with their parents’ permission, the participating chartered accountants mentor the students. The accounting firms will work with the young people over several years in various activities including job shadowing, co-operative education placements, summer employment, and internships. It is expected that colleges and universities will also support these young people as they pursue their post-secondary studies.

We anticipate that pilot projects will be sponsored across Canada and that this will lead to a national project.

BDO Dunwoody Media Contact:

Gordon Lee

Director of Marketing and Communications

416-369-3050 or glee@bdo.ca

MAEI Media Contact:

Lucie Santoro
Administration Director
lsantoro@mai-iam.ca