Government of Canada Honours British Columbians for Volunteer Work
OTTAWA, April 26, 2001 -- The Government of Canada today honoured nine British Columbians for their volunteer work helping deliver federal programs and services to fellow Canadians. The ceremony was held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.The volunteers honoured were: Janice Jarvis of Revelstoke, for volunteering with Parks Canada for 10 years; Susan Rambow of Courtenay, for assisting Citizenship and Immigration Canada carry out its mandate for 20 years; Marjorie White of New Westminster, for volunteer service with the Correctional Service of Canada for more than 30 years; Joseph Lin of Vancouver, for promoting the environmental messages of Environment Canada for 8 years; Zo Ann Morten of North Vancouver, for volunteering with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (through the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation) for 12 years, Eddie Berrouard of Victoria, for volunteering with Sport Canada, Michael Bone of Victoria, for volunteer services with Natural Resources Canada for 6 years; and Archie Steacy and Gerry Vowles of Vancouver for long-time volunteering with Veterans Affairs Canada (through the Veterans' Commemoration Committee of British Columbia).
These people are among more than 150 000 Canadians who volunteer each year with 26 federal departments and agencies.
"These individuals are making a real difference to our communities and our country," said Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps. "Volunteers are fundamental to the social, environmental and economic development of our country. Their commitment and their selflessness are the cornerstones of our communities."
"It is a privilege during this International Year of Volunteers to pay special tribute to these volunteers from across Canada who represent all those who help deliver federal programs and services," added Minister of Human Resources Development Canada Jane Stewart. " I want them to know that they make a difference in the lives of their fellow Canadians."
The year 2001 has been declared the International Year of Volunteers, giving cause for celebration to more that 7.5 million Canadians who volunteer. The contribution of volunteers across Canada has been estimated at $16 billion annually or 8 percent of Canada's gross domestic product. Collectively, volunteers give 1.1 billion hours of their time yearly. In Canada, International Year of Volunteers celebrations are led by Canadian Heritage and Human Resources Development Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada, in partnership with Volunteer Canada, on behalf of the voluntary sector. More information on the International Year of Volunteers 2001 is available at www.iyvcanada.org.
While in Ottawa, the nine British Columbians also attended today's Question Period in the House of Commons and a special performance of the RCMP Musical Ride. They also took part in yesterday's reception with His Royal Highness the Prince Charles.
Background information on each of the featured volunteers is available upon request.
Information:
Krista Pawley
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Shannon Thrussell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Human Resources Development
(819) 953-2353
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