Our History

Encounters with Canada has been offering exceptional Canadian youth programming for some 28 years. Over 84,000 youth have lived the quality Encounters with Canada experience so far!  We're extremely proud of our legacy, and we look to the future with great enthusiasm!

Key Dates in EWC History

1978

A nation-wide survey is conducted by the Canadian Unity Council (CUC) assessing the national interest for a pan-Canadian youth program which would raise awareness of Canada's heritage and institutions.

1980

The CUC aims to make Encounters with Canada happen!  Founders feel strongly that the program will "make a significant impact in promoting a better understanding of Canada among young Canadians."

1982

The CUC purchases the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Ottawa, and begins eight months of extensive renovations to transform it into a self-contained residential complex for the new youth program.  The facility is officially named the "Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre" as a tribute to the young Canadian whose courage and determination while battling cancer inspired the entire nation.

The Encounters with Canada program opens its doors on September 19th, 1982. 

An official grand opening celebration is held in October of 1982.  The then Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Ed Schreyer, and Terry Fox's parents, Betty and Rolly Fox, attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

1983

The Governor General of Canada Edward Schreyer presents the Centre with a cheque of $250,000 on behalf of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.  The cheque was originally a gift to the royal couple from the Royal Canadian Legion.  "It's nice to see a wedding gift put to such good use," says Prince Charles, while visiting the Centre with Diana later that year.

2006

EWC's very existence is threatened by the closure of the Canadian Unity Council.  EWC turns to its volunteers and friends for support.  The Historica Foundation, an organization whose role is to help Canadians discover the fascinating stories which make our country unique, agrees to purchase EWC and add it to its roster of quality Canadian history programs.

2007

Encounters with Canada celebrates its 25th anniversary, and counting!

2009

Through the diligent efforts of CUC Governors Gary Bennett and Bruce Kippen, along with Duane Daly, the Dominion Secretary of the Royal Canadian Legion, the independent Encounters with Canada Support Foundation - Fondation de soutien à Rencontres du Canada is established. Its mission is twofold: to provide financial stability and support for Encounters with Canada - now and into the future, and to provide an opportunity for others to donate to a well-managed, tax-advantaged, flexible, charitable foundation.

On September 1, 2009, Historica merges with The Dominion Institute to form Historica-Dominion Institute. Encounters with Canada is a program of this newly merged organization.

We are extremely proud of our legacy, and we continue to look towards the future with great enthusiasm!