Last week at Queen’s Park, we celebrated students who stepped outside the classroom, tried something new and challenged themselves.
Students from across Ontario showcased hands-on learning in areas like robotics, aviation, skilled trades, agriculture and hospitality, demonstrating the skills and confidence they are building through real-world experiences.
We were honoured to be welcomed by The Honourable Edith Dumont @LGOntario , Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and joined by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, @fordnation and British Consul General @YounisFouzia, along with education leaders, school board representatives, industry partners, Award Canada supporters and donors.
Congratulations to all the students on their achievements, and thank you to the teachers, mentors and industry leaders supporting them along the way.
Today, our government joined Canada Rocket Company to celebrate the official groundbreaking of their large-rocket engine testing facility in London, Ontario. 🚀
The first of its kind for Canada, this $30 million investment will create 40 new jobs, anchoring Ontario workers at the heart of Canada’s sovereign launch capabilities while ensuring that critical aerospace technologies designed and developed in Canada can be tested on our soil.
🇨🇦: https://t.co/nYH6NzGENV
@investontario@RobFlackEML
It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to Queen’s Park on Friday to celebrate the incredible legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
@dukeofedcanada has helped young people here in Ontario and across the country by fostering volunteerism, growing their confidence and teaching them important skills.
As Deputy Speaker, it was an honour to represent Speaker Donna Skelly today at Queen’s Park, welcoming His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh with Premier Doug Ford, Education Minister Paul Calandra, and and Her Honour the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, at Ontario’s Experiential Education Gathering.
It was a pleasure to meet with students, educators and industry partners who are helping young people build practical skills, confidence and leadership through hands-on learning opportunities.
Experiential education plays an important role in preparing young people for the future, empowering them to discover their strengths, explore new interests and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Thank you to His Royal Highness, Premier Ford, Her Honour and everyone working to create these valuable opportunities for Ontario’s next generation.
@fordnation@PaulCalandra@SpeakerSkelly
#ExperientialLearning #Ontario #QueensPark #ONPOLI
✨NEW PHOTO (engagement on 2 October)
At Queen’s Park, in Toronto, The Duke of Edinburgh attended Ontario’s Experiential Education Gathering 🇨🇦
HRH met students, educators and industry partners who are helping young people build practical skills, confidence and leadership through hands-on learning opportunities.
📸Effie Triantafilopoulos
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global, experiential learning framework for young people to develop essential life skills, enhance employability, and gain a sense of achievement and is used to enhance existing curriculum or programming.
https://t.co/lPkrzkaHjZ
Through partnerships with @KingsTrustCanada and @dukeofedcanada, more students will gain access to experiential learning that helps them develop important skills for future success.
https://t.co/qRnuaVU92E
#Onedu#DukeOfEd#KingsTrustCanada
Exceptional hands-on learning experiences at Jill of All Trades today for female students throughout @tvdsb thank you @FanshaweCollege and educators for organizing. Shoutout to #OYAP lots of shared excitement and engagement. Thank you @PresFanshaweC and incredible trades team.
Yes!! Thank you @PaulCalandra for improving access to @dukeofedcanada in Ontario! Such positive news and responsive to the students, families,& teachers. It is a heartwarming journey celebrating students for their personal growth and achievements. #ont#SHSM
Education must prepare students not just for graduation, but for life beyond school.
Ontario is investing $4 million through new partnerships with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada and the King’s Trust Canada to expand student access to experiential learning opportunities.
When students have opportunities to put their learning into practice, they leave school better prepared, no matter the career path they choose.
Yesterday at Canada House in London, I was honoured to join HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Canada and The King's Trust Canada for the signing of a Statement of Intended Partnership.
Together, we are working to bring new opportunities to Ontario secondary students that help build leadership, confidence and the future-ready skills they need to succeed.
Today at the Education World Forum, I joined education leaders from around the world to discuss how
learning beyond the classroom helps prepare students for the future.
Non-formal education plays an important role in helping students build confidence, strengthen their
communities and develop real world skills. Ontario is proud to be part of this global conversation as we continue working to support student success in school and beyond.
Another incredible Jill of All Trades event @FanshaweCollege. Proud of the Women in Red Seal who achieved their Bronze @dukeofedcanada@DofE. A wonderful day of skill development and career exploration for all.
Liftoff.
The Artemis II mission launched from @NASAKennedy at 6:35pm ET (2235 UTC), propelling four astronauts on a journey around the Moon.
Artemis II will pave the way for future Moon landings, as well as the next giant leap — astronauts on Mars.
Congrats to the students and dedicated teacher @PaulDawsonMrDT1@TVDSB Your efforts, student leadership, and trusted relationships are making an impact. Thank you to partners like @ThamesCentre for supporting students in #STEM#Robotics
Deputy Mayor Smibert joined the LDSS Robotics Club this morning to present them with funding from the 2026 Community Grants program!
For more information on Community Grants, including a list of 2026 recipients, please visit https://t.co/yHzAUMP7Rr
Saunders Students Shine in AgRobotics Ontario Student Challenge!
A team from Saunders' grade 11 & 12 manufacturing class designed an innovative rock-picking robot for efficient field cleanup at the London Farm Show. They win a $250 prize & recognition for thoughtful engineering.
Help @dukeofedcanada empower student voice by sharing this Youth leadership opportunity. Help shape the future of the Award in Canada 🇨🇦
🗓️ Deadline to apply: April 27, 2026
🔗 Learn More: https://t.co/omtPgL03J9