We are the
EMPIRE CLUB
FOUNDATION
Charity
Empowering the Next Generation
Our vision is to empower and elevate young leaders across Canada by equipping them with the tools, networks, and platforms necessary to shape civic, social, economic, and cultural futures – throguh a continuum of programs anchored in our new Future Leaders Youth Ambassadorship Program.
Shaping Canada’s Future, Together
For more than 120 years, the Empire Club of Canada has been the nation’s trusted forum for conversations that shape our world – from Winston Churchill and Indira Gandhi to Margaret Atwood, Audrey Hepburn, and Masai Ujiri.
The Empire Club Foundation, as the charitable arm of the Club, carries this legacy forward in a bold new chapter. Focusd on youth leadership, civic participation, and social equity, the Foundation ensures the next generation has a seat at the table.
Through scholarships, mentorship, and unique access to influential dialogue, the Foundation empowers students and emerging leaders to engage meaningfully and prepare to lead Canada’s future.
Our Programs
Pillar 1
Empowering Youth Through Education
Pillar 2
Breaking Barriers to Opportunity
Pillar 3
Shaping the Future Through Public AwarenesS
Pillar 1
Empowering Youth Through Education
- FUTURE LEADERS: YOUTH AMBASSADORSHIP PROGRAM
- STUDENT SEASON TABLE PRESENTING PARTNER PROGRAM
- FUTURE NATION BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARD PROGRAM
Pillar 2
Breaking Barriers to Opportunity
CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER, ALL YEAR LONG
Important conversations don’t begin and end with headlines or awareness days. They deserve ongoing attention and thoughtful dialogue.
Our Event Series on Social issues and Current Affairs creates space for timely, relevant discussions on the issues shaping our world. Through four flagship events each year, we invite experts, thought leaders, and students to explore the topics they care about most, bringing fresh perspectives and bold questions to the national stage.
Pillar 3
Shaping the Future Through Public AwarenesS
Our library of speeches contains a wealth of information stretching back more than a century, delivered from impactful people from all corners of the world, and all walks of life.
Pillar 1 – Empowering Students Through Education
What it is: A flagship initiative for youth ages 17–25 that provides mentorship, leadership training, civic engagement, and opportunities to speak on national stages. Participants join a peer cohort, receive professional coaching, and gain access to high-level Empire Club events.
Why it matters: It builds a pipeline of diverse young leaders ready to shape Canada’s future, giving them the skills, networks, and confidence to lead.
What it is: A program that opens the doors of the Empire Club to students each year, giving them the opportunity to attend marquee events and take their place alongside business, government, and thought leaders as active participants in national conversations.
Why it matters: It ensures young people aren’t just learning about leadership in classrooms but they are experiencing it in real time, building civic knowledge and real-world connections
What it is: A national award recognizing one extraordinary young Canadian (17–24) who is driving change through innovation, community impact, and civic leadership. The program includes nominations, regional speech competitions, and a national award presentation.
Why it matters: It celebrates and accelerates youth-led change, shining a spotlight on the leaders of tomorrow and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Pillar 2 – Breaking Barriers to Opportunity
What it is: A flagship initiative for youth ages 17–25 that provides mentorship, leadership training, civic engagement, and opportunities to speak on national stages. Participants join a peer cohort, receive professional coaching, and gain access to high-level Empire Club events.
Why it matters: It builds a pipeline of diverse young leaders ready to shape Canada’s future, giving them the skills, networks, and confidence to lead.
Pillar 3 – Shaping the Future Through Public Awareness
What it is: A flagship initiative for youth ages 17–25 that provides mentorship, leadership training, civic engagement, and opportunities to speak on national stages. Participants join a peer cohort, receive professional coaching, and gain access to high-level Empire Club events.
Why it matters: It builds a pipeline of diverse young leaders ready to shape Canada’s future, giving them the skills, networks, and confidence to lead.
The Time for action
is not some day,
IT IS NOW
%
68% of Canadian
youth aged 18–34
report a lack of
community
belonging.¹
As of May 2024, the
youth unemployment
rate in Canada was
14%, more than
double the national
rate of 6.3%.²
1 in 4
1 in 4 youth feel very
pessimistic about their
future in Canada.³ ⁴
%
Only 31% of youth
report having a
mentor or trusted
adult to guide their
goals.⁵
%
Racialized individuals
make up 21.9% of
Canada’s population
but hold only 10.5%
of board positions
and 8.6% of senior
management roles.⁶
%
Barriers to Accessing
Mentors: 38% of young
adults in Canada
reported facing barriers
to accessing mentors
during their middle and
high school years.⁷