As for the question about the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, Canada's Governors General have a long-standing tradition of leaving behind a legacy in the form of initiatives that are named after them. Not only are these legacies a way to honour the work and memory of previous Governors General, but they are also an opportunity for the former office holders to continue contributing to society once they have left office.
The Michaëlle Jean Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes citizen engagement and dialogue through the arts and creativity, with a special emphasis on youth. The foundation has three main objectives: to increase awareness of the arts to build a more innovative Canada; to enhance the network and cooperative relationships that connect the arts and creative communities with other sectors of society; and to promote local and national initiatives that help rebrand Canadian culture and revitalize our outlook on it.
With those objectives in mind, the foundation will deliver programs that foster community creativity, youth involvement and democracy.
Through the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of Canada will support the Michaëlle Jean Foundation through a maximum funding grant of $10 million over 10 years. A first payment in the amount of $3 million will be made in 2010-2011. The amount of subsequent annual payments will be equal to the amount of any private donations, as confirmed by beneficiaries and external auditors. This means that the government will match any funds raised privately, up to the remaining $7 million.