Harper issues statement for International Volunteer Day

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on International Volunteer Day:

"On December 5, Canadians join with people across the world in celebrating International Volunteer Day. This day is an opportunity to give thanks to those who generously give their time, experience and expertise to make their communities stronger and more prosperous.

Canadians are known around the world as a generous people and here at home we are immensely proud of our volunteers - from community leaders, to business leaders, to social innovators. This is why in January 2011, our Government announced a new volunteer awards program to recognize their contributions to Canadian society and encourage others to participate and make a difference in communities from coast to coast to coast.

Today, as we celebrate International Volunteer Day, I encourage all Canadians to pay tribute to the outstanding work of volunteers, who selflessly give their time and energy to help others, and to be inspired to take time to volunteer themselves."