Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces legacy gift to Michaëlle Jean Foundation

October 01, 2010

Contribution to foundation that will help Canadian youth

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today recognized the contributions made by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean during her tenure as Canada’s 27th Governor General.  In keeping with the tradition of honouring outgoing Governors General, the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will be supporting the Michaëlle Jean Foundation as its legacy gift to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean.
 
“As Canada’s 27th Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean has distinguished herself through her engagement with Canadians and her compassion and leadership in responding to the earthquake in Haiti,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “I am proud to announce support today for the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, which will help more young people become active citizens in their communities.”
 
The Government of Canada will be providing $3 million in support of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, a non-profit organization that will promote citizen engagement through the arts and creativity, with a special emphasis on youth from underprivileged, rural and northern communities in Canada.  The Government will also match funds raised privately by the foundation, to a maximum of $7 million over a ten-year period.
 
Since the 1960s, the Government of Canada has honoured former Governors General by helping them contribute to Canadian society by supporting the initiatives they pursued while in office.
 
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean has been appointed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as its Special Envoy to Haiti.  In this capacity, she will draw upon her unique experience and dedication to Haiti, as well as her commitment to educational and cultural initiatives.