April 22, 2026 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Volunteers impact Canadians' lives in countless ways. By getting involved in the causes they care about, volunteers foster stronger and more inclusive communities. Through the Canada's Volunteer Awards, the Government of Canada is proud to honour some of the country's most dedicated volunteers.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced the recipients of the 2025 Canada's Volunteer Awards.
The 19 award recipients and 5 special mention recipients were selected for their outstanding contributions in areas as varied as social isolation, housing insecurity and business development in the North; mental health; diversity and inclusion; and supporting vulnerable children, families and seniors. Their dedication to strengthening their communities demonstrates what it means to be Canadian.
To further amplify their positive impact, each recipient will direct a grant valued between $2,500 to $10,000 to a non-profit organization of their choice.
The 2025 Canada's Volunteer Awards recipients are below:
National Awards
Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement
Bharat Rudra
Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement - Special Mention
David Rattray
Regional Awards
Business Leader
Atlantic: Organigram Global
Community Leader
Atlantic: Darlene David-Cashin
Quebec: Isabelle Ducharme
Ontario: Adam Lake
Prairies: James Klaassen
British Columbia and the North: Jim Stauffer
Community Leader - Special Mentions
Dr. Raj Khanuja
Luka Brkljacic
Amanda Coombs
Emerging Leader
Atlantic: Alison MacDonald
Quebec: Donia Arfaoui
Ontario: Shiven Taneja
Prairies: Sheliza Kassam
British Columbia and the North: Stephanie Quon
Emerging Leader - Special Mention
Amandeep Boparai
Social Innovator
Atlantic: Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic
Quebec: Sayaspora Ontario: StepStones for Youth
Prairies: Unison Society
British Columbia and the North: YMCA BC
Social Innovator - Special Mentions
AVENS - A Community for Seniors
The Sashbear Foundation
2026 call for nominations is now open
The Minister also launched the call for nominations for the 2026 Canada's Volunteer Awards. Starting today, nominations are being accepted for an individual or group of volunteers, non-profits, social enterprises or businesses.
Volunteers play such a critical role in communities and organizations across the country - bringing communities together, while both building and sharing skillsets. There are many outstanding Canadians making a real difference. As the world celebrates the United Nations International Volunteer Year 2026, the call for nominations offers a timely opportunity to celebrate volunteers and their contributions across Canada.
