February 27, 2014 Toronto, Ontario

Introduction

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today honoured the recipients of the second Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards (PMVA) at a special ceremony in Toronto. He was accompanied by Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).

The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards recognize two national recipients, one for lifelong achievement and one for an emerging leader, as well as 15 individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organizations in five regions across Canada. The awards also highlight best practices in community leadership and encourage partnerships across sectors.

National award recipients are:

Lifelong Achievement: Frances Clark, Richmond, British Columbia. Emerging Leader: Kayla McLaughlin, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Regional award recipients are:

Community Leader: Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 41 (Atlantic); Dr. Keith Dawson (British Columbia and North); Arnie Vered (Ontario); Cross Cancer Institute Volunteer Association (Prairies); and Comité d’accueil et d’intégration des immigrants (Quebec). Business Leader: Newfoundland Power (Atlantic); Polygon Homes Ltd. (British Columbia and North); Cursive PR (Ontario); Hitachi Power Systems Canada Ltd. (Prairies); and Peerless Clothing Inc. (Quebec). Social Innovator: Bathurst Youth Centre des jeunes Inc. (Atlantic); Society of Organized Services (British Columbia and North); May Court Club of Brockville (Ontario); Bridges of Love Ministry Society (Prairies); and Petites-Mains (Quebec). The recipients, who were selected through a rigorous assessment process, were presented with medals, certificates and lapel pins. As part of their recognition package, each recipient will identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a one-time funding grant in their honour. Not-for-profit organizations identified by the 15 regional award recipients will each receive $5,000, and those identified by the two national award recipients will each receive $10,000.

Quick Facts

Created in January 2011, the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards fulfill a commitment in the 2010 Speech from the Throne. This annual event is aimed at inspiring Canadians from all walks of life to find new ways of making a difference in their communities. The call for the 2014 nominations for the third Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards will be launched following the announcement of the second round of award recipients, and will run from February 27 to May 9, 2014. Quote

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of communities and organizations across this country. They are selfless and inspiring Canadians who provide their time, energy and experience for no other reason than to promote the well-being of their fellow citizens. We owe all volunteers tremendous thanks. It is therefore my privilege today to recognize some of the exceptional individuals, businesses and innovators who, through their remarkable efforts, are making Canada stronger and a better place to live.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Associated Links

Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards For more information about the awards and recipients, and for information about the next call for nominations, please visit <www.pm.gc.ca/awards>.