News - Rideau Hall Foundation

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May 05, 2023

Rideau Hall Foundation and Volunteer Canada to develop ambitious new national strategy for youth volunteer engagement

Ottawa, Ontario, May 5th, 2023 – The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) and Volunteer Canada are delighted to announce their new joint program to engage youth across Canada in community and volunteerism, ultimately leading to an ambitious new national strategy for youth volunteer engagement. The RHF and Volunteer Canada share many values, including a commitment to volunteerism […]

Apr 18, 2023

Inspirational Canadian Innovations being recognized for the Governor General’s Innovation Awards

Ottawa, ON – April 18, 2023 – Today the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the eighth annual Governor General’s Innovation Awards (GGIA). These awards recognize and celebrate exceptional and transformational Canadian innovations, which are creating a positive impact in Canada and beyond, while also inspiring the next generation of […]

Apr 13, 2023

Rideau Hall Foundation and Taylor Family Foundation announce ambitious plan for building pride in Canada

Calgary, April 13, 2023 – The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is celebrating a generous new gift of $7.5 million from Don and Ruth Taylor and the Taylor Family Foundation (TFF). This commitment will support the nation-building work of the RHF to connect people, causes and organizations that share a common belief in and commitment to […]

Jan 31, 2023

Rideau Hall Foundation announces National Advisory Committee on Indigenous Teacher Education (NACITE)

NACITE will serve as an Indigenous national committee focused on significantly growing the numbers of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis teachers in Canada. OTTAWA – Today, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) announced membership to the National Advisory Committee on Indigenous Teacher Education (NACITE). The group, co-chaired by Roberta Jamieson, LL. D (Hon) and Dr. Mark […]

Nov 28, 2022

Millions of Canadians expected to participate in the 10th annual GivingTuesday on November 29, 2022, joining people in 85+ countries around the world

OTTAWA – This GivingTuesday, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) and CanadaHelps are asking all Canadians to join in and show their generosity on Tuesday, November 29th. On this 10th anniversary of the movement, millions of Canadians are expected to participate, whether it is by giving time, acts of kindness, or financial support. GivingTuesday started in […]

Nov 23, 2022

Understanding Youth and Child Civic Engagement In Canada

In December 2021, Abacus Data conducted a national public opinion survey commissioned by the Rideau Hall Foundation as part of a wider consultation related to strengthening the Forum for Young Canadians program. The survey was conducted with 1,750 young people in Canada, aged 16 to 24, and 700 children (through their parents) aged 12 to […]

Sep 19, 2022

Queen Elizabeth Scholars program receives $20 million gift from Government of Canada in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, launching new campaign to create permanent legacy

September 19, 2022 – Today the Government of Canada announced a gift of $20 million to the Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) program in recognition of the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “The Queen’s legacy of service and steadfast leadership will live on in the countless lives that she touched and as an inspiration […]

Jun 23, 2022

The Rideau Hall Foundation embarks on multi-year initiative to support substantial increases in Indigenous teacher representation across Canada

Seed funding from the Mastercard Foundation will help ensure that at least $45 million is invested in First Nations, Inuit and Métis teacher training. Ottawa, Ontario, June 23, 2022 —The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is humbled to announce the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative, with an aim to grow the number of First Nations, Inuit, and […]

May 17, 2022

Inaugural winners of Ingenious+ youth innovation challenge announced during Canadian Innovation Week

Ottawa, May 17, 2022 – Today, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), in partnership with JA Canada and Yukon University, announced the inaugural winners of Ingenious+, a new national youth innovation challenge for 14- to 18-year-olds. Consisting of regional and national competitions, Ingenious+ offers young innovators the opportunity to win cash prizes and mentorship opportunities. 1st […]

May 13, 2022

How do you Innovate? Join the celebration: Canadian Innovation Week, May 16 to 20, 2022

OTTAWA – The fifth annual Canadian Innovation Week is taking place May 16-20, 2022. Created by the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) in 2018, Canadian Innovation Week is a 5-day celebration recognizing and supporting ingenuity across all sectors. Canadian Innovation Week focuses on how we make our communities and our world a better place and inspire […]

Apr 26, 2022

Six teams recognized for their inspirational Canadian innovations – Governor General’s Innovation Awards

Ottawa, ON – April 26, 2022 – Today the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) announced the recipients of the seventh annual Governor General’s Innovation Awards (GGIA). These awards recognize and celebrate exceptional and transformational Canadian innovations, which create a positive impact in Canada and inspire the next generation of innovators. The recipients of the 2022 Governor […]

Nov 29, 2021

GivingTuesday: Celebrating 10 years of generosity and unity around the world

OTTAWA—As a part of a global initiative, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) and CanadaHelps are asking all Canadians to show their generosity on Tuesday, November 30, during GivingTuesday, the world-wide day of generosity and unity. GivingTuesday is a time when Canadians, charities, and businesses come together to celebrate giving and participate in activities that support […]

Nov 18, 2021

Building Bridges, Strengthening Communities

In mid-June, Abacus Data conducted a national public opinion survey commissioned by the Rideau Hall Foundation. The survey was conducted with 1,750 young people in Canada, aged 16 to 24. The intentions of the survey were to understand how young people define community and participate in their community through actions like volunteering. There is little […]

Jul 08, 2021

12 organizations awarded a total of $2.4 million to improve educational outcomes for youth across Canada

Ottawa, ON – July 8, 2021 – Today, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is thrilled to award $2.4 million to 12 community-based organizations through its Catapult Canada Access Innovation Fund. The Fund is designed to support youth-serving organizations using innovative approaches to improve educational outcomes for Canadian youth, including the over 11% (more than 1 […]

Jul 07, 2021

Is Canada’s strong innovation culture going under the radar?

Rideau Hall Foundation’s third annual Culture of Innovation Index sees Canadians continuing to value a culture of innovation despite exposing major barriers to participation. OTTAWA, ON – July 7, 2021 – Released today by the Rideau Hall Foundation, the 2021 Canada’s Culture of Innovation Report reveals Canadians continue to value innovation in their work, in […]

May 18, 2021

New youth innovation prize: Ingenious+ inspires young innovators and entrepreneurs to make the world a better place

OTTAWA, ON – May 18, 2021 – Calling all young innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers! Today, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), in partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Canada, is pleased to unveil Ingenious+, a new national youth innovation challenge for 14- to 18-year-olds. Consisting of regional and national competitions, Ingenious+ will offer young innovators the […]

May 04, 2021

Six recipients from across Canada recognized for their ground-breaking work and excellence in innovation

Ottawa, ON – May 4, 2021 – Today the Rideau Hall Foundation announced the recipients of the sixth annual Governor General’s Innovation Awards. These awards recognize and celebrate exceptional Canadian individuals, teams and organizations for their excellence in innovation and their contributions to helping shape our future and positively impact our quality of life. The […]

Apr 13, 2021

New program receives Government of Canada funding to support equity in access to learning opportunities for young Canadians

OTTAWA, April 13, 2021 – Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, announced $6.3 million in funding over three years to the Rideau Hall Foundation’s new Catapult Canada Access Innovation Fund. This funding comes through the Government of Canada’s Goal Getters program, which partners with community organizations to support […]

Dec 09, 2020

Forum for Young Canadians Partners with Rideau Hall Foundation to Reimagine the Future of Youth Civic Engagement

OTTAWA, December 9, 2020 – Today, Forum for Young Canadians announced a new partnership with the Rideau Hall Foundation that will ensure more youth have the opportunity to engage in our democracy and the institutions that form its foundation. Over the past 45 years, Forum for Young Canadians (FFYC) has been and continues to be […]

Dec 08, 2020

National program expands to help Canadian researchers gain recognition

OTTAWA, December 8, 2020 – Thanks to a new partnership between the Rideau Hall Foundation and Universities Canada, Canadian researchers now have added support in their efforts to apply for and receive career-boosting national awards. The Global Excellence Initiative, which has assisted Canadian researchers apply for major international awards since 2012, is expanding its mandate […]

Nov 30, 2020

GivingTuesday: Everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts

OTTAWA—As a part of a global initiative, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) and CanadaHelps are asking all Canadians to show their generosity on Tuesday, December 1, during GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity and unity. GivingTuesday is all about showing support for communities, charities and non-profits at home and around the world. This year, as […]

Nov 23, 2020

Rideau Hall Foundation partners with Indspire’s Teach for Tomorrow: Indigenous Educator Apprenticeship Program

Ohsweken, ON — The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) and Indspire are pleased to announce a three-year collaboration on the Teach for Tomorrow: Indigenous Educator Apprenticeship Program to increase Indigenous student success by growing the number of Indigenous teachers in classrooms across Canada. In February 2019, the Teach for Tomorrow program officially began with 27 students […]

Oct 29, 2020

Rideau Hall Foundation and Michener Awards Foundation Joining Forces

Partnership to support excellence in public service journalism OTTAWA – Today the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) and the Michener Awards Foundation are thrilled to announce they are joining forces to strengthen the Michener Awards and ensure the program’s ability to support and celebrate excellence in Canadian journalism well into the future. “In an era where […]

Oct 07, 2020

Celebrating generosity and a commitment to the Canada of tomorrow

New partnership between the Rideau Hall Foundation and Barrett Family Foundation will establish the Barrett Canada Fund. OTTAWA – Today the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is celebrating the generous gift of $10 million by the Barrett Family Foundation. This gift will support the nation-building work of the RHF to connect people, causes and organizations that […]

Jul 14, 2020

Six recipients from across Canada recognized for their ground-breaking work and excellence in innovation

Ottawa, ON – July 14, 2020 – Today the Rideau Hall Foundation announced the recipients of the fifth annual Governor General’s Innovation Awards. These awards recognize and celebrate exceptional Canadian individuals, teams and organizations for their excellence in innovation and their contributions to helping shape our future and positively impact our quality of life.  The […]

Jun 26, 2020

O CANADA: CANADIANS, OUR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, AND THE PANDEMIC

By Oksana Kishchuk, Abacus Data At the beginning of May, Abacus Data conducted a national public opinion survey commissioned by the Rideau Hall Foundation. This survey was a follow-up to research that was conducted in February just a few weeks before the COVID-19 outbreak and was intended to understand how the initial pandemic response has […]

Jun 16, 2020

New Data: Canada’s desire to innovate is strong, but Canadian institutions are lagging

Rideau Hall Foundation’s 2020 Canada’s Culture of Innovation Report sees decline in Canadian risk tolerance June 15, 2020 – The Rideau Hall Foundation’s 2020 Canada’s Culture of Innovation Report reveals Canadians believe innovation can lead to healthier people, economic growth and a cleaner environment. But nearly all Canadian institutions are seen as lagging, including local […]

May 05, 2020

Together, we give

By the Right Honourable David Johnston, 28th Governor General of Canada and Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation We are facing a rare set of circumstances as a global community. Together, across borders, oceans and time zones, we are fighting a common battle. We are living a shared experience. And yet, connection feels more elusive […]

May 04, 2020

GivingTuesdayNow inspires Canadians to participate in global day of unity and generosity

OTTAWA, May 4, 2020 – As a part of a global initiative, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) and CanadaHelps are asking all Canadians to show their generosity on Tuesday, May 5 during GivingTuesdayNow to aid in the response to the COVID-19 crisis. GivingTuesdayNow is designed to drive an influx of generosity in support of communities […]

Nov 19, 2019

Rideau Hall Foundation Statement on Pitch@Palace Canada

The Rideau Hall Foundation’s agreement with Pitch@Palace is coming to an end, and it will not be renewed for 2020. Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship is a key priority for the Rideau Hall Foundation. We will continue to support Canada’s incredible entrepreneurs and look forward to other opportunities to celebrate and grow Canada’s culture of innovation. […]

Sep 06, 2019

And the winners are…

Congratulations to the winners of our #IdeaofCanada book giveaway!* Christina Arlene Nicky Marie Bonnie Mccleery Rose Robinson Hately Anitia Kennedy Shamarra Gray Cathy L Brown Marilyn Day Christopher Bowes Howie Rabb Bonnie Reynolds Sullivan Judy Wiseman Jodi Murphy Ryan Pelley Ahmed Ali Lorraine Cyr Angel April Turcotte Donna Sweeney Mara Donnachie Jo-Ann Horgan *Winners’ names […]

Aug 20, 2019

Enter the #IdeaofCanada Book Giveaway

The chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation, the Right Honourable David Johnston, has authored or co-authored 28 books throughout his long career. One of his more recent books, The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation, was recently published in paperback. To celebrate, we’re giving away 20+ copies signed by Mr. Johnston himself. For a […]

May 13, 2019

Governor General’s Innovation Awards 2019 Recipients Announced

Six recipients from across Canada recognized for their groundbreaking work and excellence in innovation Ottawa, ON – May 13, 2019 – Today the Rideau Hall Foundation announced the recipients of the fourth-annual Governor General’s Innovation Awards. These awards recognize and celebrate the exceptional Canadian individuals, teams and organizations for their excellence in innovation and […]

May 01, 2019

New report by Rideau Hall Foundation cites diversity as biggest influence on Canada’s “culture of innovation”

First-of-its-kind survey explores how Canadians feel about their country’s innovation culture May 1, 2019 – OTTAWA, ON – Today the Rideau Hall Foundation released Canada’s Culture of Innovation Index, the first survey to specifically measure the state of Canada’s culture of innovation and the key factors that foster it. The first-annual report equips Canadian organizations, […]

Feb 28, 2019

Building inclusion and equity into Canada’s innovation economy

Did you know that “trust inequality” has risen in Canada? We are pleased to share a new article by The Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C., 28th Governor General of Canada and Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation; Diversity, collaboration, trust and a more inclusive innovation economy. Mr. Johnston’s article on inclusive innovation is the lead […]

Jun 07, 2018

Rideau Hall Foundation Names New President and CEO

The Right Honourable David Johnston, Canada’s 28th Governor General and Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is pleased to announce the selection of Teresa Marques as the RHF’s new President & CEO. Ms. Marques, currently the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the RHF, is an accomplished charitable sector leader and senior executive with extensive […]

May 31, 2018

Canadian Tech Community Launches Tech for Good Declaration at True North Conference

Waterloo, May 31, 2018- Communitech, in collaboration with Deloitte, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), Ipsos Canada, and the University of Waterloo, is pleased to unveil the Tech for Good Declaration at the True North conference in Waterloo Region. The Right Honourable David Johnston, Chair of the RHF, addressed the outcomes of the declaration built by […]

May 16, 2018

Rideau Hall Foundation launches inaugural Canadian Innovation Week

OTTAWA, May 16, 2018—As part of its commitment to strengthening Canada’s culture of innovation, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) proudly introduces the first annual Canadian Innovation Week (May 22-31). The week will bring together partners and stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem to connect, cultivate and celebrate Canadian innovation. With an eye to inspiring the next […]

Apr 24, 2018

Interview with the Rt Hon David Johnston – CBC Radio

On April 10, 2018, the Right Honourable David Johnston spoke to Vanessa Vander Valk, host of Shift on CBC Radio One in New Brunswick, about Thirty Years of Giving in Canada – a new report that examines charitable donations and giving patterns from 1985 to 2014. Listen to the full interview here. (10 minutes)

Apr 10, 2018

Charities and non-profits must lessen reliance on aging, affluent donors

Canadians give more than $14 billion annually, but current demographic trends suggest revenues will decline significantly over time if action not taken Ottawa, April 10, 2018 – The long-term viability of Canada’s charitable sector depends on higher donation rates among younger and new Canadians, according to a study released today by the Rideau Hall Foundation […]

Feb 06, 2018

Innovation in teaching and learning: Students and leaders across sectors explore innovative solutions to preparing youth for disrupted economy

OTTAWA – More than 80 university, public service, business and civil society leaders convened with student entrepreneurs and innovators at Univation, a national forum co-hosted by Universities Canada and the Rideau Hall Foundation, in Ottawa February 5 and 6. Against the backdrop of increasing digital change and technological disruption, Univation participants explored the challenges and opportunities for preparing […]

Nov 30, 2017

Inspiring the next generation of Canadian innovators – Ottawa

OTTAWA—More than 600 elementary students will learn the importance of having an innovative spirit during a special visit to Fisher Park Public School/Summit Alternative today. Former governor general of Canada, the Right Honourable David Johnston, and Mr. Tom Jenkins, Chair of OpenText and of the National Research Council, will be discussing Innovation Nation and Ingénieux Junior, the […]

Nov 28, 2017

Inspiring the next generation of Canadian innovators

TORONTO—Students as young as six years old will learn the importance of having an innovative spirit during a special visit at Dewson Street Public School in Toronto today. Former governor general of Canada, the Right Honourable David Johnston will be sharing Innovation Nation and Ingénieux Junior, the young readers edition of his popular book Ingenious, with students […]

Oct 26, 2017

New learning partnership a path to reconciliation

By: Scott Haldane and Reeta Roy This article was originally posted by the Vancouver Sun on October 23, 2017. When Sheldon Scow recounts his path to a university education, it is a story of tenacity and hard-won courage. A third-year First Nations Studies student at Vancouver Island University, Sheldon dropped out of university twice before […]

Sep 29, 2017

Federal gift supports the Rideau Hall Foundation as David Johnston’s Legacy

OTTAWA—The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) would like to thank the Government of Canada for its contribution in honour of The Right Honourable David Johnston, 28th Governor General of Canada (2010-2017). The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, announced today a grant of $3 million and a commitment of up to $7 million in matching funds towards the […]

Sep 28, 2017

Statement by the Prime Minister to thank the outgoing Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston

Ottawa, Ontario – September 28, 2017 The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to thank the outgoing Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston: “On October 2nd, 2017, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston will return to private life after holding this country’s highest and oldest office. […]

Sep 20, 2017

Innovative Learning Partnership for Indigenous Youth Launched at Vancouver Island University and Yukon College

Vancouver Island University and Yukon College to increase enrollment and completion rates of Indigenous learners NANAIMO, B.C.— In the spirit of reconciliation, a new learning partnership for Indigenous youth at Vancouver Island University (VIU) and Yukon College is being announced today. Building from the guidance of Elders and the aspirations of Indigenous youth, VIU will […]

May 24, 2017

Rideau Hall Foundation and the Government of Canada building towards Canadian Innovation Week

OTTAWA—As part of its commitment to building a stronger culture of innovation in Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), along with the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development, are calling for groups working to promote innovation across different sectors to come together around an annual Canadian Innovation Week every May. […]

Mar 27, 2017

Next generation research leaders from Canada and low- and middle-income countries to pursue innovation and community-building projects

OTTAWA – More than 450 researchers at the doctoral, postdoctoral and early-career levels will undertake global research projects as part of the new Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Advanced Scholars Program, contributing to improved global talent exchange between Canada and other nations. This expanded second round of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program will fund […]