December 5, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marie‑Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:

"On this International Volunteer Day, I would like to recognize the tremendous contribution of volunteers to international solidarity.

"In addition to using their professional expertise to serve communities, volunteers build trust with people and provide an invaluable complement to the work of civil society and governments. Their actions are critical to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

"I am very proud of Canadian volunteers. They come from all trades and are highly qualified. They speak English, French and several other languages of our various cultural communities. Their sensitivity to local culture and spirit of cooperation are appreciated everywhere.

"Canada has supported sending volunteers abroad for over 50 years. In the past three years, more than 5,100 volunteers were sent to at least 42 countries. Their work has supported over 970 local partners, including 130 women's groups.

"I thank all Canadians who choose to undertake volunteer work. It is a demanding yet profoundly transformative form of social commitment."