Statement from Minister Bibeau on International Volunteer Day

Statement

December 5, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement:

“Canadians have a long and proud tradition of volunteerism, at home and abroad, which is inspired by the ideas of equality, mutual respect and cooperation that lie at the heart of our multicultural society.

“Today’s volunteers are young people and retirees; they hail from all sectors and all cultural communities. They work in our schools, our libraries, our community centres and our hospitals. And they are on the front lines of Canada’s international development and humanitarian work. Our volunteers work with Canada’s partners to help improve the economic and social well-being of poor and marginalized communities and respond to humanitarian crises.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the valuable contribution the country’s volunteers make toward reaching the goals of sustainable development.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support volunteers. That is why we have been financing international volunteer programs for more than 40 years and are seeking ways to integrate international opportunities into the Youth Employment Strategy. Our support for the Volunteer Cooperation Program, which provides targeted technical assistance to address key development challenges, is an important part of these efforts. Between 2015 and 2020, the Government of Canada will invest $300 million to support 15 volunteer cooperation agencies in deploying more than 11,000 Canadian volunteers to some 50 countries.

“On International Volunteer Day, we pay tribute to the thousands of Canadians who volunteer in the developing world and to all those who generously give their time and expertise to support our communities, whether at home or abroad.”

Contacts

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATD_Dev
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada

Search for related information by keyword

Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau Global Affairs Canada Society and Culture