Volunteer Award to Singh From PM

 

Toronto, Ontario - 18 March 2015:

Introduction

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today honoured the recipients of the third Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards (PMVA) at a special ceremony in Toronto. He was accompanied by Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance.

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

National award recipients are:

• Lifelong Achievement: Dr. Myron & Mrs. Elaine Semkuley, Calgary, Alberta.
• Emerging Leader: Matt Cardwell, Whitby, Ontario.

Regional award recipients are:

• Community Leader: Cody O’Brien (Atlantic); Sylvie Ethier (Quebec); Dr. Syed Aslam Daud (Ontario); Rev. (Dr.) Deborah Olukoju (Prairies); and Raghbir Singh Bains (British Columbia and the North).
• Business Leader: LaHave River Credit Union (Atlantic); Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services (Quebec); The Printing House Limited (Ontario); Chandos Construction Ltd. (Prairies); and Victory Square Labs (British Columbia and the North).
• Social Innovator: New Brunswick Youth Orchestra (NBYO – Sistema New Brunswick) (Atlantic); La Tablée des Chefs (Quebec); Haven on the Queensway (Ontario); Canadian Western Agribition (Prairies); and Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association (British Columbia and the North).

The recipients were presented with medals, certificates and lapel pins during the ceremony. 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 awards recipients will each receive $5,000, and those identified by the two national awards 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 to recognize the contributions of Canadian volunteers.
• 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 2015 nominations for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards will be launched on April 13, 2015, and will run until June 30, 2015.
• In 2014, Canada was ranked third in the World Giving Index.

Quotes

“Canada ranks near the very top of the World Giving Index. Our generosity is evident abroad, but it is also plainly seen every day, right here at home. Contributing to their community is the primary motivation for Canadian volunteers, who gladly and freely give their time, energy and experience. I am pleased today to recognize these extraordinary individuals and organizations who are improving the lives of Canadians across the country.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Social challenges are being tackled in new ways across the country. Local organizations could not achieve the incredible level of success they do, and Canadian communities would not be as vibrant if it weren’t for the talented, capable volunteers and charitable efforts of innovative organizations from coast to coast to coast.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper