Partnership with Sun Life Financial: an exciting new era for the Colisée de Rimouski

RIMOUSKI, QC, Aug. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - As part of a brand new partnership that will breathe fresh life into the Colisée de Rimouski, that iconic landmark of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, the Rimouski Océanic organization is pleased to announce that it is teaming up with Sun Life Financial and renaming the largest arena in eastern Quebec the "Colisée Financière Sun Life."

"This is excellent news for Rimouski and for our entire region. We're thrilled that Sun Life Financial is choosing to play an even greater role in the life of our dynamic city. There's a lot of excitement around the fact that this company is the first ever to partner with our arena and that it's going to contribute to strengthening and even expanding the range of services and activities for the people of this area. Sun Life Financial is widely known and we're confident that this partnership will have a very positive impact," stated Éric Forest, Mayor of Rimouski.

"Sun Life Financial was looking for a strong partner to work with in developing a key project, a partner that shares its values. The Rimouski Océanic proved to be the ideal solution. Not only are we proud to be able to strengthen our presence in the region, where we already enjoy significant visibility through the dynamic team at our financial centre, but what we wanted most of all was to contribute to the vibrancy of sports, culture and the economy in this area. That's just what the Colisée Financière Sun Life will enable us to do. We're celebrating our 150th anniversary in 2015, so emphasizing our Quebec roots seemed the natural thing to do, and an important part of that was forging a new partnership with a team and a region that have truly captured our hearts," said Isabelle Hudon, President, Sun Life Financial, Quebec.

"Sun Life Financial's presence will ensure that our arena and its activities remain competitive and accessible in the years to come. It's fantastic that a national partner has chosen Rimouski and the Rimouski Océanic for a major alliance of this kind. It confirms just how attractive our beautiful region and our hockey team are. With this partnership we welcome a major new fan into our fold and, now more than ever, we will truly be the team of an entire region, as our motto states," said Éric Boucher, President and Administrative Director of the Rimouski Océanic.

The Colisée Financière Sun Life is a 4,300-seat venue that is used for a variety of ice activities from July until April. Renovated and expanded in 2008, it is the largest arena in eastern Quebec. It is here that area residents can watch the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Océanic  team play its home games, and attend other major events, with facilities that rival those of any large, modern arena.

About Sun Life Financial, Quebec
Firmly rooted in Quebec and backed by 1,800 employees, 800 advisors and 27 financial centres across the province, Sun Life Financial, with its all-Quebec management team, is committed to supporting Quebecers at each stage of their financial life.

Sun Life Financial believes in strong community involvement and aligns monetary investment with its three pillars: access to Quebec arts and culture, prevention of diabetes and its complications, and financial education.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial and its partners have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2014, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $684 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All amounts are in Canadian dollars.

About the Rimouski Océanic
The Rimouski Océanic made its debut in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on September 15, 1995. As it enters its 20th season, after 19 successful years capped off with one Memorial Cup and two President's Cup wins, the Océanic can take pride in being a top team with a reputation that spans the globe. Some of the greatest players in the sport of hockey got their start wearing the Océanic's colours, including the world's no. 1 player, Sidney Crosby. A first-rate organization, the Océanic strives to offer the best in junior hockey and maintain the close connection it has with its loyal fans.

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada