This generous gift means the international mobility scholarships funded by Power Corporation of Canada since 2020 will continue until 2030, allowing more students to enhance their career prospects, improve their skills and gain the broader international perspective needed to succeed in today’s global economy. In recognition of outgoing president Jacques Frémont’s nine years of dedicated leadership, Power Corporation is pleased to honour him by renaming the scholarship the Jacques Frémont International Experience Scholarship.
The donation will also support researchers from across campus who are working with community partners on evidence-based solutions to address the deepening homelessness crisis in Ottawa — another cause close to President Frémont’s heart.
Power Corporation Senior Vice-President Paul Genest announced the gift at a celebration in honour of Frémont on May 21, 2025. Genest said that both projects reflect Jacques’ deep commitment to students and the Ottawa community.
“Jacques is passionate in his belief that taking the leap to spend time in another country is an essential part of an excellent education. He wants all students to have the opportunity to reach their full potential as Canada’s next generation of globally minded leaders,” said Genest.
Strengthening research to combat homelessness
The Power Corporation of Canada Homelessness and Housing Insecurity Action Fund will scale up an initiative under the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI). It currently involves more than 20 researchers and partners, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Ottawa branch and the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa.
The University of Ottawa is an urban campus close to the epicentre of the homelessness and opioid crises in Ottawa.
“This is a complex issue with many facets,” added Paul Genest. “No one has all the answers, and that is why we want to bring the best minds and the most dedicated community organizations together to bring about meaningful, lasting change,” said Genest.
Interim Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Julie St-Pierre said, “The goal of the Power Corporation of Canada Homelessness and Housing Insecurity Action Fund is to make a difference in Ottawa and drive changes in public policy across the country.”
Power Corporation of Canada: A legacy of transformative giving
In 2018, Power Corporation of Canada, an international financial services holding company, announced $1.5 million for international mobility scholarships and a program to encourage students to go abroad.
The first scholarships were to be awarded in 2020, but the pandemic intervened. As travel and normal activity resumed, Power Corporation of Canada’s support was instrumental in kick-starting international mobility for students at uOttawa. This academic year, 276 students received $1,500 each through the scholarship program.
President Frémont thanked Power Corporation of Canada and noted the Desmarais family’s deep ties to uOttawa and decades of generous support. Many family members are uOttawa alumni, including the Honourable Paul Desmarais. The late Power Corporation CEO, who led the company from 1968 to 1996, studied commerce at uOttawa, and his wife, Jacqueline Maranger, graduated from the nursing program.
A tribute to transformational leadership
In his remarks, Genest expressed gratitude for President Frémont’s leadership at the University of Ottawa.
“Jacques Frémont has guided uOttawa along a course true to his vision," said Genest. He added that “uOttawa is much more than its classrooms, labs and campus services. Thanks to Jacques, this institution can look to the future with confidence, ambition and vision. As a place for dialogue, deep scholarship, applied research, great learning, bilingualism, ambition and positive social change.”