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 Although it is sometimes taken for granted and at times goes unnoticed by many, their efforts and contributions cannot be emphasized enough. Throughout the last few decades, the 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 health sector in Canada has been no exception to this trend, as Voluntary Health Organizations are now critical in carrying out of the mandate of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. . They contribute to program service delivery, education and the development of health policy. Without the direct involvement of these organizations, many existing programs and services within 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 roughly $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
• Mobilize the public by organizing volunteers and by enhancing citizen involvement within communities across the country.

National Voluntary Organizations Working in Health

Although the Public Health Agency of Canada's relationship with the voluntary health sector is as diverse as the sector itself, the Department's key partners belong to a grouping referred to as 'National Voluntary Organizations Working in Health'. This refers to all organizations working on issues which impact the health of the people of Canada. Many are "umbrella" organizations with a national perspective and links to their provincial, territorial, regional and community counterparts. These groups vary in size, structure and scope, yet all have the health of Canadians as their primary focus.

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;
• are recognized for their role as our society's "social conscience"; and
• include a range of groups such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the United Way of Canada, local food banks and community organizations.

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

To see the full text of the Joint Framework For Action, click here.

Important Notices