January 28, 2012 (Calgary, AB) – AltaGas Ltd. (TSX:ALA) has refueled the path to the podium for Canada’s cross-country ski athletes by extending its sponsorship of Cross Country Canada for another four years. The long-term commitment, valued at over $1 million, will support Canada’s high-performance programs including the National Ski Team and National Development Centres through 2015.

The deal also ensures financial support for hosting international World Cup events in Canada and includes an investment in the national sport body’s grassroots development programs through continuation of the AltaGas Club Coaching Program.

“Since AltaGas first joined our program in 2007, Canada’s national cross-country skiers have delivered unprecedented results across all levels,” said Davin McIntosh, executive director, Cross Country Canada. “With their renewed commitment and continued financial support towards delivering the resources our athletes need to win, this significantdeal ensures a new crop of cross-country skiers will track the podium well into the future.”

The two organizations made the announcement prior to AltaGas’ annual Employee Ski Day with many of Cross Country Canada’s national team athletes in Calgary on Friday.

AltaGas will continue to provide support for elite-level coaching and other critical resources and services necessary for the success of Canada’s National and Para-Nordic Cross-Country Ski Teams. The partnership will also provide funding for key national development programs such as the Alberta World Cup Academy located in Canmore, Alberta and the Callaghan Valley Training Centre in British Columbia.

“Like AltaGas, Cross Country Canada has a proven track record of growth and success,” said David Cornhill, Chairman and CEO of AltaGas. “In 2007, we made a commitment to support the athletes who are seeing results from their hard work and their dedication to the pursuit of excellence. We’re proud to renew our commitment to an organization whose culture and journey resembles our own.”

In recognition for being an official partner of Cross Country Canada, the Canadian National and Para-Nordic Men’s Ski Teams will continue sporting the AltaGas logo on their race toques and headbands. The company logo will also be prominent on the entire men’s and women’s team race suits, training and casual wear.

“It is no coincidence that Canada’s men’s cross-country athletes have rewritten the history books since AltaGas’ injection of over half-a-million dollars into our programs in 2007,” said McIntosh. “Over the last four years, this support has played a key role in our athletes delivering 22 World Cup and World Championship medals, 24 Paralympic and IPC World Championship medals, our first-ever World Championship title and record-breaking results across the board at the 2010 Games in Whistler.”