Founder: the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn

Twenty-fourth Governor General and Commander in Chief of Canada (Jan. 1990 - Feb. 1995), Ramon John Hnatyshyn (1934-2002) served in the House of Commons from 1974 to 1988 and was sworn to the Privy Council in 1979. He fulfilled a wide range of roles, including Minister of State for Science and Technology, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Government House Leader, President of the Privy Council, Minister responsible for Regulatory Affairs, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General. In 1984 he was Opposition House Leader for six months.

Mr. Hnatyshyn received his law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1956 and was called to the Bar in Saskatchewan in 1957. He was appointed Q.C. in Saskatchewan in 1973 and Q.C. in Canada in 1988. In 1986 he was called to the Bar in Ontario. He was a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Law Society of Saskatchewan (President 1973-74) and the Canadian Bar Association.

Mr. Hnatyshyn received honorary degrees (LL.D.) from institutions including the University of Saskatchewan, Royal Military College of Canada, Queen’s University, Open University of British Columbia, McGill University, State University of Chernivtsi (Ukraine), University of Manitoba, Carleton University, Royal Roads Military College, University of Northern British Columbia, University of Alberta, Memorial University and the Law Society of Upper Canada. He was appointed Doctor of the University at the University of Ottawa, Doctor of Canon Law at the University of Emmanuel College, Doctor of Civil Law at Bishop’s University and Doctor of Philosophy at Yonsei University, Korea. He received numerous awards, including the St. Volodymyr Medal Award from the World Congress of Ukrainians.

Mr. Hnatyshyn returned to his law practice at Gowlings after his term as Governor General. He also played a leadership role in a number of charities including the United Way Campaign, United Community Funds, the Saskatoon Gallery and Conservatory Corporation and the YMCA. The Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Law is presented annually by the Canadian Bar Association to recognise outstanding contribution to the law and legal scholarship in Canada.

Former President: the late Gerda Hnatyshyn

Gerda Hnatyshyn (1935-2023) was instrumental in establishing and running The Hnatyshyn Foundation, serving successively as its Chair and President, and working as its principal fundraiser until her death in July 2023.

A graduate of Dietetics and Nutrition at The University of Saskatchewan and The Royal Victoria Hospital School of Dietetics in Montreal, Mrs. Hnatyshyn married Ramon John Hnatyshyn in 1960. During Ray’s tenure as the 24th Governor General of Canada, Mrs. Hnatyshyn served as the Chatelaine of Rideau Hall and represented Canada in welcoming foreign dignitaries and Canadians to Rideau Hall. Later in her life, Gerda authored a book about Rideau Hall, with a focus on bringing the stories of the Governor General's house and in particular the staff who serve at Rideau Hall to the public: Rideau Hall: Canada’s Living Heritage (1994).

Following the conclusion of Ray’s term as Governor General, Mrs. Hnatyshyn began to raise funds for the completion of the Canadian Heritage Garden, located on the grounds of Rideau Hall. This installation, open to the public, serves as a horticultural exhibit, filled with countless varietals of roses, and marks the development of the Canadian nation and democracy, with flowers and monuments dedicated to Canada’s First Nations and the successive waves of immigrants that have built this country.