Research summary: Volunteers in Canada
Title of the report: The Demographic and Socio-economic Characteristics of Volunteers in Canada
Author of the report: Penny Haloulos
Alternate formats
Volunteers in Canada [PDF - 281 KB]
Large print, braille, MP3 (audio), e-text and DAISY formats are available on demand by ordering online or calling 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.
Why this study
This research looks at those who are volunteering in Canada, to help the Canada Service Corps (CSC) know how they can make sure that Canadians, especially young people, are volunteering and benefiting from their experience.
What we did
This research uses the 2013 and 2018 General Social Survey to see who is volunteering, how often people volunteer, if volunteers had a good experience, and what volunteers got from volunteering.
What we found
People participated in volunteering more if they were:
- 15 to 24 years old
- a university graduate
- a woman
- a resident of Saskatchewan
- from a higher income household
- a person living without a disability
- born in Canada
- working in the field of education, law, and community, and/or
- able to speak both French and English
People spent more hours, on average, volunteering if they were:
- over the age of 65 years
- a university graduate
- a woman
- a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador
- from a middle-income household
- a person living with a severe disability
- a non-landed immigrant, and/or
- able to speak both French and English
People who volunteered said they were able to improve their skills. People felt that volunteering improved their health and increased involvement in their community.
What it means
While the research shows that people who volunteered felt that they benefited from the experience, volunteerism dropped between 2013 and 2018. The findings may help CSC understand who is volunteering and how their programs could help encourage volunteerism in the future.
Contact us
Learning Branch, Learning Policy & Services Directorate, Policy, Planning and Partnerships Division
Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca