Our History
In 1970, the One Prairie Province? A Question for Canada Conference was held in Lethbridge, Alberta. Sponsored by the University of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Herald, the conference received considerable attention from concerned citizens and community leaders. The consensus at the time was that research on the West (including British Columbia and the Canadian North) should be expanded by a new organization.
To fill this need, the Canada West Foundation was established under letters patent of December 31, 1970. The first Canada West Council was elected in June 1973.
Since that time, the Canada West Foundation has established itself as one of Canada’s premier research institutes. The Canada West Foundation pursues non-partisan, accessible research and active citizen engagement, and serves to stimulate debate on public policy issues through discussion papers, speakers, and conferences.
These efforts are rooted in the belief that a strong West makes for a strong Canada.
Founder's Endowment Fund
The Founders' Endowment Fund is a permanent fund created in 1996 and named to honour the four founding members of the Canada West Foundation: G. Maxwell Bell, Arthur J.E. Child, Frederick C. Mannix, and the Honourable James A. Richardson. Based on generous donations from the families and estates of all four founders, and grown through donations from the Philanthropy Club (an innovative fundraising initiative from 2006-2008), the market value of the fund as of December 31, 2009 was $7,500,576.
If you would like to become a supporter or donate to the Founder's Endowment Fund please contact our Director of Fund Development at: (403) 538-7356 or by email.