Wilson Foundation Encourages Young Historians

Thanks to the impressive generosity of donors, more students are exploring a passion for Canada’s history through our Heritage Fairs program. The Wilson Foundation and founder Lynton “Red” Wilson are providing the financial support that ensures these young people are celebrated for their work in highlighting an aspect of our past.

The program sees students all over the country choosing a topic, developing a research question and doing extensive research before presenting their project in local and regional Heritage Fairs. November 2024 saw four outstanding students receive $500 RESP contributions and be feted in Winnipeg as part of our Governor General’s History Awards events. Four more will participate at the 2025 award celebrations in Ottawa.

An accomplished economist and business leader, Wilson is also known for his dedicated volunteerism and philanthropy. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1997. In 2014, Governor General David Johnston presented him with the Vanier Medal for his contributions to Canada. 

Wilson continues his role as a tremendous leader in the field of history with a significant contribution to Heritage Fairs and the National Showcase. His foundation’s support was critical in unlocking further donations from other foundations and the federal government. 

The showcase creates excitement, which in turn spurs participation in Heritage Fairs. Participation at the grassroots level rose an astonishing 24 per cent this year, meaning that more and more students every year are delving into the stories that make up Canada’s history. 

The surge in interest couldn’t come at a better time. The more young people know about our past, the better they will understand each other and present-day Canada. That in turn creates more compassionate, better-informed citizens for the future. As Yael from Edmonton put it after having explored the story of engineer Elsie MacGill, “I truly believe it is so important for our future that we learn about our past and the people that shaped Canada.” 

These enthusiastic students are also helping educate the rest of us. In 2025, we introduced new People’s Choice awards as part of an online Heritage Fairs showcase. More than 7,300 votes were cast to choose three honourees (two in English, one in French).

Thanks to donor support, Canada’s History Society also provides specialized support and training for educators to help them prepare their students for Heritage Fairs and incorporate historical inquiry into their classrooms. We are deeply grateful to Red Wilson, the Wilson Foundation and all those who give to strengthen the future of Canada through history education programs like Heritage Fairs.