TransCanada Donates $1 Million to Support Canadian Veterans Returning to Work

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Jan. 6, 2012) - TransCanada Corporation's (TSX:TRP) (NYSE:TRP) (TransCanada) President and CEO Russ Girling, alongside Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, today announced a $1 million commitment over five years from TransCanada to acknowledge and help support Canadian veterans. The money will be used by the Helmets to Hardhats program to assist veterans in finding work as they return to civilian life. TransCanada is supporting the program along with Veterans Affairs Canada and Canada's Building Trades Unions.

"Our partnership with Helmets to Hardhats is a logical extension of our relationship with Canada's Building Trades Unions to build our country and its infrastructure. We are proudly supporting men and women who have served their country with bravery and honour. They deserve our gratitude, our dedication and our support," said Russ Girling, TransCanada's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The opportunities offered through this initiative will assist veterans in their return to civilian life while bringing skilled and dedicated employees into our workforce."

"Both TransCanada and Prime Minister Harper are showing leadership with Canada's Veterans with this announcement," said Robert Blakely, Director of Canadian Affairs for the Canadian Building Trades. "Canada's construction industry is the key beneficiary of economic activity in the energy industry and Helmets to Hardhats will help ensure skilled trade labour contributes to these important engines of our economy."

TransCanada has been working in tandem with Canada's Building Trades Unions for decades to build energy infrastructure in our country. As one of North America's largest energy infrastructure companies, our company knows that the trades are a critical component of our business.

"TransCanada is currently completing the remaining half of a $22 billion capital program and with that comes a need for a trained, specialized and competent workforce," added Girling. "The Helmets to Hardhats program is part of that important network and will have a long-term impact here in Canada. It will impact our economy and perhaps more importantly, the families that have so selflessly committed to ensuring freedom for Canadians."

Veterans will be able to access career or apprenticeship information either by phone or through a dedicated website that is expected to be launched in the early part of 2012. Veterans and reservists will have access to these apprenticeship programs and related training on a priority basis through participating construction trade organizations and contractors. The program will also provide opportunities in administration, engineering, human resources and other skills required in the construction industry. The Canadian Forces transitions about 5,200 members to civilian life every year.

TransCanada's role in Helmets to Hardhats is consistent with our values-driven approach to business and our aim to build healthy, safe and vibrant communities where we live and work. Whether it's providing financial support, sharing resources or volunteering, our company is committed to playing a role in building better communities.

With more than 60 years experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and oil pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada's network of wholly owned natural gas pipelines extends more than 57,000 kilometres (35,500 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is one of the continent's largest providers of gas storage and related services with approximately 380 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A growing independent power producer, TransCanada owns or has interests in over 10,800 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. TransCanada is developing one of North America's largest oil delivery systems. TransCanada's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. For more information visit: www.transcanada.com or check us out on Twitter @TransCanada.

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