Oct 24, 2019

For Immediate Release

Peterborough, ON:  For the second year, Shimano Canada and the all-party Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus of Canada have partnered to fund fish and wildlife scholarships (application download) for ten post-secondary students committed to advancing their education in fish and wildlife management/research science.

Shimano Canada and the Outdoor Caucus (OC) are offering ten (10) $3000 CDN college/university scholarships for the 2020 school year.

Students enrolled in a fish and wildlife sciences major in an accredited academic institution in Canada or the United States are eligible. The award will be made directly to the students and can be used for tuition, textbooks or living expenses.

Why Scholarships?

“We are pleased to partner with the all-party Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus in offering these scholarships to students who are active anglers and participants in our outdoor heritage activities,” states Phil Morlock, Vice President, Government Affairs/Advocacy for Shimano North American Holding Inc. and Shimano Canada Ltd. “Anglers have always been leaders in natural resource conservation and we need more of them to enter the professional fields of fish and wildlife management and sciences.”

As many of the provincial and federal natural resource managers approach retirement, there will be a need to fill vacant positions with qualified individuals who understand the practical aspects of angling, sustainable use and harvest of fish and wildlife, and who have a passion for sport fishing.

“As Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus I understand the importance of conservation as it applies to our outdoor heritage activities, commented Bob Zimmer, MP, Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies.  “As hunters, anglers and sport shooters we know that it’s important to teach successive generations why conservation is so crucial. I’m very honoured to be a part of this important initiative.”

According to Outdoor Caucus Co-Chair Gudie Hutchings, MP, Long Range Mountains, “Canadians who enjoy our great outdoors have always been excellent conservationists and stewards of our environment. These scholarships will help our youth understand their important role in our future and help them join this proud tradition of conservation.  I am also so proud to work with my colleagues in the all-party Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus, especially fellow Co-Chair Bob Zimmer, and Shimano to help support future generations in safeguarding our country’s abundant natural resources and natural beauty.”

Qualifications and Deadlines

Students have until November 22, 2019 to submit applications for the scholarships. Applications will be reviewed by an impartial panel of national resource management/academic professionals and the Outdoor Caucus leadership. Successful applicants will be notified by December 23, 2019 and will be invited to a presentation ceremony in Ottawa with the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus and Shimano Canada.

Interested students can download a PDF of the application at:  https://keepcanadafishing.com/shimano-oc-scholarship-program-application-2019/

For media inquiries, contact Mike Melnik at 888-296-8978, mike@impactcom.ca

Shimano:

Shimano is an international manufacturer of fishing tackle and related components. Shimano Canada is a member of the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association and a supporter of the Keep Canada Fishing program to promote and protect recreational fishing.

The Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus of Canada:

The Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus was formed in 2006 and includes Members of Parliament and Senators from all political parties to reflect the fact that outdoor heritage activities are enjoyed by Canadians of all political persuasions.