Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award

2005 Recipents

In 2001, the International Year of Volunteers, the Government of Canada announced the launch of the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award. This award was established to commemorate the work of Thérèse Casgrain and honour those who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to volunteering.

Thérèse Casgrain was an eminent Canadian whose actions continue to serve as an example to all. The award is presented annually to two Canadians, one man and one woman. It recognizes the voluntary contributions of individuals from communities across Canada whose pioneering spirit, social commitment and persistent endeavours have contributed significantly to the advancement of a social cause and the well-being of their fellow citizens.

In Memory of Thérèse Casgrain, 1896-1981
Thérèse Casgrain, a native of Montreal, was the force behind various social reforms promoting justice and equality. She was involved in provincial, national and international organizations and was one of the pioneers of the women’s rights movement in Canada. As founder and later President of the Quebec League of Women’s Rights, she helped Quebec women gain the right to vote in 1940 and was instrumental in making them the beneficiaries of family allowance cheques. All her life she fought for women’s participation in government in Canada.

In the 1960s, Thérèse Casgrain participated in the World Disarmament Conference, where she was the only female Canadian delegate. She was appointed to the Senate in 1970 and became a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1974. Throughout her life she chose to defend the cause of disadvantaged members of society, to denounce social injustice and to lend a voice to those who had none. Thérèse Casgrain was an inspiring Canadian in every sense of the word.

The Award
The award consists of:

• a bronze medallion bearing the likeness of Thérèse Casgrain, a lapel pin and a certificate of recognition; and
• $5,000 to be awarded to a registered Canadian voluntary organization designated by the recipient.

Choosing the Candidates
The National Selection Committee consists of:

• a chairperson;
• former award recipients;
• voluntary sector representatives from across Canada;
• members of the Thérèse F. Casgrain Foundation; and
• representatives of the Government of Canada.

The Committee will be seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:

• they are Canadian citizens;
• there is evidence that the spirit of volunteerism has played a significant role throughout their lifetime;
• their volunteer efforts have enabled fellow Canadians to participate in the workplace and/or their communities;
• they have demonstrated leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard work in advancing a social cause; and
• they have created effective partnerships with the public, the voluntary sector, local communities and/or governments.

Nomination Procedures
A candidate for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award may be sponsored by:

1. a) an organization; or
2. b) three individuals — a sponsor and two co-sponsors, none of whom are related to the candidate.

The application must include the following information:

• name, address and telephone number of the candidate;
• a Personal Release and Consent Form, signed by the candidate;
• names, addresses and telephone numbers of the sponsor and co-sponsors; and
• a detailed description of the candidate’s accomplishments under each of the criteria, including relevant documents (e.g., publications, letters of support, awards, press clippings).

Candidates will not be considered posthumously.

This information must be submitted by February 1 to:

Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award Secretariat
Social Development Canada
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 5th Floor
Gatineau, QC K1A 0J9

Our Mission
Social Development Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s social foundations by supporting the well-being of individuals, families and communities and their participation through citizen-focused policies, programs and service.