March 27, 2026 – Yesterday the Government of Ontario announced a commitment of $6 million over three years to the Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) program, sending a clear signal that Ontario values global experience as a cornerstone of modern education.
“We are very pleased to see the Province of Ontario investing in student learning and skills development. The Province’s reinvestment in the Rideau Hall Foundation to support the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program in Budget 2026 means that more students at Ontario’s universities and colleges will benefit from global collaborative learning experiences. QES is a proven, effective and efficient program building a next generation of leaders with global competencies. It has been built with the support of governments and private donors from across the country. We look forward to continuing that legacy for Ontario’s students and to further positioning Ontario for success in the global economy.” said Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation.
By renewing its partnership with the Rideau Hall Foundation and the QES program, Ontario is directly strengthening its future workforce, specifically in high-priority sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and skilled trades.
The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program, known as the QES, is led by the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) in collaboration with Universities Canada, and with founding support from Community Foundations of Canada (CFC).
QES is a made-in-Canada initiative that promotes international student exchange and civic engagement through project-based scholarships. The program was established in 2012 to celebrate and honour The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. To date, 134 projects have been funded at 55 Canadian universities and colleges, and in 80 countries around the world. More than 2,800 young people have completed the program with 1,555 coming from Ontario.
Media Contact:
Jill Clark Sr Advisor,
Strategic Communications and Media Relations
jill.clark@rhf-frh.ca
Rideau Hall Foundation
613-619-0230
