Order of Canada Mentorship Program

The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, launched the second edition of the Order of Canada Mentorship Program, at Rideau Hall, where she hosted a round-table discussion on important current issues.

Among the mentors and mentorees, is Bernard Voyer, O.C., C.Q., an explorer and mountaineer who has some extraordinary achievements to his credit. He is matched with Jérôme Turcotte Routhier, a basketball player and a law student.

Another mentor is George Elliott Clarke, O.C., O.N.S., poet, novelist and professor at the University of Toronto. He is serves as Rehana Rajabali’s mentor. From Calgary, Alta., she is an engineer who has a passion for the arts.

Her Excellency listened to Ricardo Lamour from Laval, Qc., a young composer-songwriter-performer of urban music. He will be mentored by Gisèle Lalonde, C.M., O.Ont., who has spent her life championing and promoting Francophone rights.

For one year, this program pairs 25 youth from across Canada with 25 members of the Order of Canada who share the same passions and interests.

Following this initial meeting in Ottawa, mentoring takes place online and by e-mail. The mentors and young participants are also invited to submit blogs and take part in discussion forums.