5 things to know about the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

1) The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation is an apolitical scholarship-granting organization. But it is more than a scholarship. The Foundation’s Institutes of Engaged Leadership make us a gateway for courageous, bold, original thinkers who seek unconventional experiences beyond the halls of academia, and who are hungry to play a leadership role in their communities and help inspire positive change.

2) The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation began awarding doctoral scholarships in the Humanities and Social Sciences in 2003. It was created in honour of the lifetime commitment of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau toward the four themes of human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, and people and their natural environment.

3) The Foundation conducted public consultation workshops called the Future Forums in every province and territory between September 2018 and March 2019. A total of 450 participants from diverse backgrounds and fields of expertise were asked to share their insights on the themes of Engaged Leadership and Inclusive Excellence to help guide the Foundation’s strategic plan toward greater diversity and inclusion.

4) Since 2003, the Foundation has awarded 232 doctoral scholarships, promoted the research and creative work of 72 Fellows, and appointed 137 Mentors to help support the research of our Scholars who are leaders in their fields based in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Learn more about our programs here.

5) In 2018, the Foundation’s board of directors reached gender parity for the first time in its history. The Foundation continues to strive for greater representation of Indigenous people, visible and cultural minorities, and people who live with a disability, to ensure we are reflecting the way Canada looks.