Frequently Asked Questions

Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award

Note: These frequently asked questions and respective answers should be used as a guide and are subject to change for future call for nominations. To obtain up to date information, interested parties should visit the Web site when a new call is announced.

1. Who is eligible for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?
2. Is international volunteering recognized as part of a candidate’s volunteer experience?
3. Is it possible to re-nominate an individual from year to year?
4. Is it possible for a couple or group of people to be eligible for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?
5. Are there any age requirements?
6. Do candidates have to be active volunteers when being considered for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?
7. What are the eligibility criteria for the award?
8. How are nominations evaluated?
9. How are award recipients selected?
10. Will the nomination package be returned to sponsors?
11. Will I be advised on the outcome of my nomination?
12. How do I get more information?

1. Who is eligible for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?

The Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award is open to all Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Members of the Thérèse F. Casgrain Foundation, elected officials of government while serving in office, past recipients of the award and employees of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada are not eligible to receive the award.

Candidates will not be considered posthumously.

2. Is international volunteering recognized as part of a candidate’s volunteer experience?

No. The award recognizes individuals whose volunteer efforts have had a direct impact on Canadians.

3. Is it possible to re-nominate an individual from year to year?

Yes. However, once a new call is announced, sponsors are encouraged to visit the Web site to verify if there are new requirements they must adhere to. Past recipients of the award are not eligible.

4. Is it possible for a couple or group of people to be eligible for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?

No. The award is presented to one individual under each of the award categories.

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5. Are there any age requirements?

Each award category has its own age requirement.

• Youth Participation award (from the age of 18 to 30)
• Lifelong Commitment award (from the age of 31 and over)

6. Do candidates have to be active volunteers when being considered for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?

Nominees for the Youth Participation award must be active volunteers.

Nominees for the Lifelong Commitment award do not need to be active volunteers. However, their past voluntary contributions should reflect a significant amount of time dedicated to volunteering. Candidates will not be considered posthumously.

7. What are the eligibility criteria for the award?

Candidates must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Nominations of candidates should demonstrate that:

• the spirit of volunteerism has become an important part of candidates lives;
• their volunteer efforts have improved the overall quality of life of their fellow Canadians;
• they have demonstrated leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard work;
• they have developed or supported an activity that enables Canadians to participate in their communities; and,
• they have created effective partnerships with the private and not-for-profit sectors, local communities and/or governments.

8. How are nominations evaluated?

Government officials conduct a pre-review of all nominations. Nomination are then short-listed to include the top candidates in each award category. The short-listed nominations are evaluated by the National Selection Committee. The Committee is made up of members from the not-for-profit sector, members of the Thérèse F. Casgrain Foundation, past award recipients and government officials.

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9. How are award recipients selected?

The Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development makes the final selection, based on the recommendations submitted by the National Selection Committee.

10. Will the nomination package be returned to sponsors?

No. All materials submitted become the property of the Government of Canada and are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

11. Will I be advised on the outcome of my nomination?

All nominees and sponsors will be advised by letter of the winning nominations following the award ceremony.

12. How do I get more information?

For more information, contact the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award Secretariat.