2019 MNP CANADA GAMES TORCH RELAY

(Red Deer, Alberta) - Today with representatives from National Partner MNP, the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society announced the national MNP Canada Games Torch Relay route and torchbearer nomination process.

Starting in fall 2018, the MNP Canada Games Torch Relay visits almost 50 communities across Canada through a series of celebrations and torch relay stops, with 10 to 15 torchbearers in each torch relay community carrying the torch. Torchbearers across the 26 torch relay stops are selected following a nomination process that opened today on the 2019 Games website.

“Thanks to the incredible support of MNP, we are taking the Roly McLenahan Canada Games Torch from coast-to-coast for the first time in the history of the Canada Games,” said Lyn Radford, 2019 Canada Winter Games Board Chair. “I encourage everyone across Canada to find the MNP Canada Games Torch Relay stop near them and nominate an outstanding individual in their community for the honour in being a torchbearer in this historic relay.”

”We are both thrilled and honoured to partner with the 2019 Canada Winter Games as sponsor of the MNP Canada Games Torch Relay,” said Jason Tuffs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MNP. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate and support Canada’s amazing athletes across the country. We’re inspired by the passion and determination that drives Canadian athletes and those same values have driven us to empower businesses across Canada for 60 years. And that community connection is something we’re thrilled to champion with this sponsorship. We look forward to celebrating the 2019 Canada Winter Games and the Torch Relay in the many communities where MNP employees, their families and our clients call home. See you there!”

During today’s announcement, Mackenzie Van Damme, the creator of Waskasoo, was named as the first torchbearer of the MNP Canada Games Torch Relay. Nominations for torchbearers are being accepted until June 30.

The MNP Canada Games Torch Relay is a significant element of the Canada Games and has united communities across the nation for the past 51 years. It officially starts in Ottawa from the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill on October 4, 2018, and visits almost 50 communities across Canada before arriving in Red Deer for the Opening Ceremony of the 2019 Games on February 15, 2019.

For more details on the MNP Canada Games Torch Relay stops and the torchbearer nomination process, please visit canadagames.ca/2019/mnptorchrelay.

About the 2019 Canada Winter Games:

From February 15 until March 3, 2019, the eyes of the nation will be on Red Deer, Alberta as we host the 2019 Canada Winter Games - the largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth in Canada and the largest event to be hosted in Red Deer’s history. Featuring over 150 events in 19 sports and a major arts and cultural festival, the 2019 Canada Winter Games will welcome up to 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches and more than 100,000 spectators, with a forecasted economic impact of over $132 million. The 27th edition of the Canada Games, the 2019 Games is set to provide a stage for Canada’s next generation of national, international and Olympic champions to compete and will leave a legacy for athletic and leadership greatness in Red Deer and central Alberta. This is our moment.

For more information on the 2019 Games, please visit: canadagames.ca/2019

About MNP LLP: MNP is the fifth largest national accounting and consulting firms in Canada, providing client-focused accounting, taxation and consulting advice. National in scope and local in focus, MNP has proudly served individuals and public and private companies for 60 years. Through the development of strong relationships, MNP provides personalized strategies and a local perspective to help them succeed.