The Voluntary Health Sector
About the Voluntary Health Sector
The voluntary sector is a pivotal part of Canadian society that touches
virtually all aspects of our lives. It is often described as society's
vital third pillar, alongside the public and private sectors. The efforts
and contributions of this sector are substantial. Throughout the last
few decades, the voluntary sector has been growing rapidly. Currently,
it is estimated that there are roughly 180,000 voluntary organizations
across Canada, consisting of approximately 6.5 million volunteers and
a further 1.2 million paid employees.
The voluntary health sector in Canada has been no exception to this
trend, as voluntary health organizations play a key role in carrying out
of the mandate of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
They contribute to program and service delivery, education, and the development
of health policy. Without the direct involvement of these organizations,
many existing programs and services within the Department and Agency would
not be possible.
Volunteers in the health sector contribute approximately 3 billion hours
every year and their total economic activity is estimated to be $20-30
billion annually. More specifically, they:
- Provide a wide range of programs, services and policy advice;
- Conduct health research;
- Educate the public on a wide range of health-related issues; and
- Mobilize the public by organizing volunteers and by enhancing citizen
involvement within communities across the country
Defining the Voluntary Health Sector
A common understanding of the voluntary health sector and a shared language
are essential for understanding more about the sector. These definitions
make it possible for the Public Health Agency of Canada and national voluntary
organizations working in health to move forward on strengthening their
relationship.
The Voluntary Sector...
- consists of private, non-profit organizations, primarily devoted
to the public good, whose activities are carried out by volunteers and
paid staff;
- depends on the willingness of people to donate their time, knowledge,
skills, energy and resources to assist fellow citizens; and
- is involved in activities designed to provide help to individuals,
families, groups and communities. These "helping" activities
include: direct service, information exchange, public awareness, education,
support, fundraising, advocacy, research, public dialogue and policy
development.
Voluntary Organizations...
- help to organize voluntary action and volunteers to: further a common
public goal; provide services; give support and resources; and engage
in dialogue and action;
- do not seek profit as an end in itself;
- are accountable to constituencies or members through democratic governing
structures and sometimes legal frameworks;
- encompass national, provincial or territorial, regional, local, and
citizens' organizations;
- may have a financial relationship with governments, the private sector
and citizens, for which they are accountable, but are primarily autonomous
and independent;
The Voluntary Sector Initiative
The Voluntary Sector Initiative ( VSI ) is a joint initiative between
the Government of Canada and the voluntary sector . Launched in 2000 with
an initial investment of $95 million, this unique undertaking focuses
on strengthening the relationship between the sector and the government
and enhancing the capacity of the voluntary sector.
The VSI constitutes a major horizontal policy effort led by Social Development
Canada, which involves over 20 federal departments and agencies. Together
they address issues including funding practices, policy dialogue, technology,
volunteerism and research about the sector.
For more information, please visit the VSI
Website  .
Looking Back...
Building the Relationship between National Voluntary Organizations Working
in Health and Health Canada: A Framework for Action
In 1997, at the request of the Deputy Minister of Health Canada, a Joint
Working Group on the voluntary sector was formed to discuss the re-establishment
of Health Canada's working relationship with the sector. Members were
drawn from various Health Canada branches as well as up to 160 a number
of representatives from national voluntary organizations working in health.
Recognizing the importance of national leadership, the group worked together
on a joint framework, which outlines a common understanding of their relationship.
After almost two years of collaboration, the Joint Framework for Action
identifies the common goal of helping Canadians improve their own health,
the health of others, and the health of their communities. It is based
on shared principles of cooperation and the recognition of diversity,
respect, transparency and accountability.
The common goal and shared principles outlined in the Joint Framework
for Action provided a basis for building a solid long-term relationship
between Health Canada and national voluntary organizations working in
health. The Framework recognizes the need to move from goals and principles,
to real relationship building. As a result, the document specifically
proposes four recommended areas for action:
- Health Policy
- Joint Action Plan on Common Priorities (National Projects)
- Capacity of National Voluntary Organizations Working in Health
- A Collective Commitment
Download the Joint
Framework for Action (1999) 
(112kb.)
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