Prime Minister Harper celebrates National Volunteer Week

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement to mark National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 15-21, 2012:


During National Volunteer Week, we pay tribute to the over 13 million volunteers in Canada and the remarkable contributions they make every day in communities across our great country.



These individuals, who volunteer their time and energy, are often the lifeblood of charitable organizations that could not operate without their help. Their contributions range from helping the elderly and sick, to elections, to putting their lives on the line as volunteer firefighters and disaster relief personnel.


In recognition of the volunteers across Canada, our Government launched the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards Program in 2011. Through this program, Canadians have the opportunity to nominate fellow Canadians who have been a force for good in their communities.


I encourage all Canadians to thank the volunteers in their lives, and to get involved and make a difference in their communities not only this week, but throughout the year.