April 13, 2015– Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

To mark National Volunteer Week, the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada, is announcing the launch of the call for nominations for this year’s Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards.

Through these Awards, all Canadians have the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of deserving individuals, businesses and not-for profit organizations that are volunteering their time and making a difference in their communities. Nominations will be accepted until June 30, 2015.

The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards consist of 17 awards: two national awards and 15 regional awards – three awards for each of five regions across Canada (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, and British Columbia and the North). Awards recipients have the opportunity to identify an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award).

Find out more about the award categories and submit a nomination today through the Prime Minister’s website: www.pm.gc.ca/awards.

Quick Facts

• This year, National Volunteer Week is April 12 to 18, 2015.
• The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards recognize volunteers and organizations that use innovative ideas and approaches to address social challenges. Working in partnership, businesses, individuals and organizations can develop creative ways to strengthen their communities.
• Volunteerism is an important part of what makes Canada such a great country. In 2013, 12.7 million Canadians or 44% of people, aged 15 years and older, participated in some form of volunteer work.
• In 2013, volunteers devoted almost 2 billion hours to their volunteer activities, or the equivalent of about 1 million full-time jobs.

Quote

“As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, let us take the time to appreciate and highlight the positive impact that volunteers have in our communities. Through the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards’ call for nominations, all Canadians have the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of deserving individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Consider nominating an exceptional volunteer in your community today.”

– The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development

More information about the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards can be found at:www.pm.gc.ca/awards.

Contacts

Aaron Bell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State for Social Development
613-220-3230
aaron.bell@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559

media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

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