History

In 1998 The W. Garfield Weston Foundation came to the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation with a desire to create a unique program for outstanding college-bound students. In keeping with its mission of providing scholarship and land conservation grants for the benefit of Canadians, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, with the help of CMSF, has sponsored and guided the Garfield Weston Awards program since that time.

In its first year, The Garfield Weston Awards program quickly established itself as the premiere provider of awards recognizing outstanding college students who are committed to their field of study, passionately concerned about their community, willing to try new activities, and truly seeking to make a difference. The program has grown to encompass over 50 scholars entering college in every province annually, and our network of participating consortium colleges has expanded as well. Consortium colleges partner with the Garfield Weston Awards program by waiving tuition for all Garfield Weston scholars.

In order to recognize outstanding college leaders already enrolled in the Canadian college system, upper-year awards were introduced for the first time in 2005. These awards support the many talented students already enrolled in colleges across Canada who demonstrate the qualities that define future leaders in our country - curiosity, commitment, and a desire to positively contribute to one’s community.