"In its forty years of existence, the Canadian Unity Council launched and managed an impressive number of programs that involved, informed and rallied hundreds of thousands of Canadians from every region of our country.  By resisting to the dramatic dismemberment of the Council, Encounters with Canada ‘The Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre’ - the CUC’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’ - demonstrated its exceptional value and pertinence for young Canadians.  The success of Encounters remains the Council for Canadian Unity’s greatest legacy, and a testimonial to the extraordinary dedication of its volunteers and the excellence of its staff.  To all of you, congratulations and bravo!  Thanks to your tenacity, more than one hundred thousand young Canadians have benefited from the program.  Your ‘Foundation in support of Encounters with Canada’ will allow many thousands of Canadians to benefit from the program in coming years. 

Encounters offers a unique and novel educational experience that allows its participants to learn, and through learning, to gain a better understanding of their country while giving them an exceptional opportunity to get to know each other. Wishing you continued success!"

Jocelyn L. Beaudoin, C.M.
President and Director General – The Canadian Unity Council (1969 – 2004)