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.
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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The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing the enormous contribution volunteers make to Canada. The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards were created as a way to annually recognize those who make exceptional voluntary contributions, including individuals, not-for-profit organizations and businesses.
The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards consist of 17 awards in total.
Fifteen regional awards – three awards for each of five regions across Canada (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, British Columbia and the North):
- Community Leader recognizes individual volunteers or groups of volunteers who have taken a lead role in developing solutions to local challenges.
- Business Leader recognizes businesses that demonstrate social responsibility in their business practices.
- Social Innovator recognizes not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate innovation in addressing social challenges.
Two national awards:
- Emerging Leader recognizes new volunteers who help build stronger communities through leadership and have made a positive difference in their community in a short period of time. This award is for those who have volunteered for no more than three years.
- Lifelong Achievement recognizes individuals who have dedicated their life to volunteering and have inspired other volunteers, led volunteer groups or made other exceptional achievements through volunteering. This award is for those who have volunteered for a period of at least 20 years.
Recipients are selected through a three-step assessment process:
- The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards Secretariat screens nominations to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Regional Reviewers: Volunteer representatives from across the country assess eligible nominations based on the assessment criteria and develop a list of top‑ranked nominations for the National Advisory Committee.
- National Advisory Committee: Up to 15 volunteer committee members from various regions of Canada are selected by the Minister of Employment and Social Development (ESDC). The National Advisory Committee assesses the top-ranked nominations and advises the Minister of ESDC for final decisions.
More information about the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards can be found at: www.pm.gc.ca/awards.
