Linking Trudeau Scholars with creative and outstanding professionals in a practical and individualized learning experience

Trudeau Mentor Ursula Franklin has had a long and distinguished career,
which she is sharing here with Trudeau Scholar Taylor Owen.

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation mentorship program is the result of an innovative experiment that seeks to forge intellectual and personal bonds between renowned Canadians with extensive experience in public life and talented, young Ph.D. students. Each year, after a rigorous selection process, the Foundation appoints up to ten Mentors who are then matched with Trudeau scholarship recipients. To encourage contact between the Mentors and the Scholars, the Foundation provides intensive logistical and financial support for the first 18 months of the mentorship, in the hopes the relationship will extend beyond the initial period.

Trudeau Mentors are recruited from a broad array of professions and disciplines, from arts and culture, public service and journalism to administration and business, the volunteer sector and the liberal professions. The Mentors generally enjoy a nationwide reputation based on their extraordinary achievements in their own particular field. Over the years, these people have acquired direct experience in decision-making and public policy and know how to communicate with a variety of audiences. As citizens of the world, they often have hands-on experience with international issues. They are ready to share their knowledge and skills with young people just starting out in their careers and to introduce them to their professional and social networks.

Since 2004, the Foundation has appointed 48 Trudeau Mentors. Trudeau Mentors receive an honorarium of $20,000. A further $15,000 is available to cover the cost of participating in program activities.

The deadline for the 2011 Mentors nomination process is September 15, 2010.

Additional information

Click here for a detailed program description (PDF).

For any questions regarding the mentorship program, please contact

Bettina B. Cenerelli, Program Director
tel  (514) 938-0001, ext. 227