QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
National Volunteer Action Strategy
December 10, 2025
Senator Moreau, December is the season of giving. Unfortunately, it is also a time of the year that can be especially difficult for many Canadians. Yet, it remains a moment when those who are more fortunate step up to donate and volunteer, a powerful reminder of how Canadians look out for one another.
We know that in any given year, roughly three quarters of Canadians volunteer in some capacity. In its pre-budget submission, Volunteer Canada called on the government to invest $1.5 million to finalize the development and early implementation of the National Volunteer Action Strategy, a core component of our national civic infrastructure that could stand to benefit all Canadians.
Is the government giving consideration to Volunteer Canada’s request, and what role might it play in supporting this strategy?
Thank you for the question, Senator Loffreda, and for highlighting the important work of volunteers around the country and of Volunteer Canada.
Through Budget 2024, the government announced $400,000 to support Volunteer Canada in the development of their National Volunteer Action Strategy.
Yesterday, we had the minister here. It’s unfortunate that the question was not raised with the minister. I’m sure that she would have provided you with a broader answer than I did, but I will certainly raise the question with her.
Thank you for that. The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Volunteer Year, a year-long initiative celebrating the power of community engagement. The government stated that it intends to honour the contributions of volunteers and their role in addressing societal challenges and fostering positive change throughout the year.
What formal investments has the government committed to in order to enhance these celebrations and recognize Canada’s spirit of volunteerism?
Thank you. Over the course of this year, the government is committed to celebrating the efforts of volunteers in addressing societal challenges and fostering positive change with a focus on the power of community engagement and creating the sustainable change to eradicate poverty, promote social inclusion and protect the planet. It is through collective action and the invaluable contribution of individuals working for the common good that real change can happen.
