Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced the appointment of nine new members to the National Advisory Committee for Canada's Volunteer Awards. The Committee met today to welcome the new members and provide an overview of its responsibilities.
Comprised of volunteer leaders, community builders and past Canada's Volunteer Award recipients from across Canada, the National Advisory Committee plays an important role in supporting the Minister by recommending award recipients.
Committee members are chosen by the Minister of Jobs and Families and are selected based on their experiences in the volunteer community and to reflect Canada's cultural, linguistic and regional diversity.
Newly appointed members to the National Advisory Committee:
- Rikki Boté, Regina, Saskatchewan
- Ryan Hreljac, Ottawa, Ontario
- Sudhir Jha, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
- Melanie Mahlman, Victoria, British Columbia
- Willy Wilondja Mayaliwa, New Maryland, New Brunswick
- Sebastian Muermann, Montréal, Quebec
- Blake L. Olson, Abbotsford, British Columbia
- Sukhjit Singh, Brampton, Ontario
- Stacie Smith, Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Dr. Sally Zhao, Calgary, Alberta
These appointments build on the dedication and contributions of current and former committee members. Five members will continue their service on the National Advisory Committee, providing valuable continuity and institutional knowledge, while five members are concluding their mandates. Their sustained commitment, devotion and diligence played a key role in recognizing the invaluable contributions of volunteers, organizations and businesses across Canada, as well as the positive impact they have in their communities.
