Canada's NDP

Skip to main content

April 8th, 2019

NDP Statement on National Volunteer Week

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

Today marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week. It is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Canadians across the country who generously give their time to lift people up, improve their neighbourhoods, and strengthen their communities.

In Canada, 13 million people volunteer for organizations that fight inequality, advocate for the environment, and assist the most vulnerable. Volunteering takes all shapes and sizes, but volunteers are also often relied upon to provide critical services and care in spaces where governments are not providing support. They are advocates for change, skilled service providers, and unsung heroes.

Our communities and our country are stronger because of the work of volunteers – no matter how big or small their contributions are. We all benefit when people choose to give their time. Volunteers are good for our communities, and volunteering is also good for us, mentally, physically, and emotionally. If it feels good to receive help, it also feels good to help people around us.

And the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week, “The Volunteer Factor – Lifting Communities”, illustrates just that.

This week and in all weeks that follow, let’s be inspired by the spirit of volunteerism and work to lift our communities so that we all rise. With the commitment of volunteers and all Canadians who are willing to engage with the community, we can work to create a stronger, more inclusive, and more equal country.