Minister Duclos honours the recipients of Canada's Volunteer Awards, including the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award
Speech
June 9, 2016
Ottawa, Ontario
Introduction
Hello, everyone.
Thank you for giving me the great honour to be here to celebrate you, the 2016 recipients of Canada’s Volunteer Awards.
Volunteering is an important act. It is the backbone of civil society organizations, social and political movements and public- and private-sector programs world-wide. It is an integral part of every society.
Let me share a quote from someone who led campaigns for many causes such as easing poverty and expanding women's rights. His name is Mahatma Ghandi.
Mahatma Ghandi once said: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
You, as well as many Canadians, are making a positive change.
Every year, about 13 million Canadians are volunteering and you are part of them.
You come together from all walks of life. You give of yourselves to help our country’s most vulnerable people and strengthen our communities.
Volunteering is part of the fabric of our society. Our country will soon celebrate its 150th anniversary. We know that Canada would not be what it is today without the important work of our dedicated volunteers in the past 150 years.
Recognizing all Canadian volunteers
No matter who you are or where you are, you are making a difference for someone.
Just think about all those people in hospitals who receive the visit of hospital volunteers. Think about the homes that are saved through volunteer firefighters. Or recently, the evacuees of Fort McMurray who were cared for and supported by teams of volunteers.
These acts of kindness leave a mark in people’s lives.
Not only for those who receive the benefits but also you, as volunteers—working for free for something you are passionate about is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have.
Recipients’ accomplishments
Today, we are honouring you, some of Canada’s most inspiring volunteers.
You demonstrated innovation, creativity and a strong desire to help others and make your community better.
And this, to the benefit of all of society.
I’m thinking about women and children fleeing domestic violence, people facing homelessness, newcomers, marginalized individuals, Indigenous people, youth and people living with a disability.
Let us find inspiration and motivation in your actions so that we can also be the face of change in our communities.
Thérèse Casgrain
Speaking of inspiration, here with us today is the Casgrain family. Thank you for accepting our invitation to attend this ceremony.
I must say that I feel privileged to be here today and to have played a role in bringing back the name and pioneering spirit of Thérèse Casgrain, in the form of the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award.
Thérèse Casgrain created change in our society.
Throughout her life, she chose to defend the cause of the disadvantaged members of society and lent a voice to those who had none.
Casgrain spoke of wanting to see men and women take an honest look at themselves and work together to improve society.
This is exactly what volunteerism allows us to accomplish—building strong communities with deep roots.
Addressing persistent social issues together
Addressing persistent social issues is something that the Government of Canada is working hard to do. And to succeed, we need help; your help.
It’s you, and all our partners, who will help us increase Canadians’ social and economic security.
And each and every one of you can make Canada a better place to live.
Conclusion
Once again, I would like to congratulate all the recipients today. Mostly, I would like to express all my gratitude for your work. Your contribution is simply invaluable.
I hope that many more Canadians will be inspired by your accomplishments. I hope that many more Canadians will become volunteers.
Thank you.
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