Who handles volunteer & community?
Volunteer & Community
Community engagement involves all levels. Federal provides national service programs, provinces support volunteer organizations, and municipalities coordinate local volunteer efforts.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● Approximately 25% of Canadians aged 15 and older (over 7 million people) volunteer through organizations, contributing an estimated $30 billion in economic value annually.
- ● The federal government supports volunteerism through the Canada Service Corps and the Canada Service Trust Fund.
- ● Provincial governments fund volunteer coordination offices and community development programs that rely on volunteer participation.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Volunteer Canada and national service programs
- ● Federal community grants (e.g., Canada Community-Building Fund)
- ● National non-profit regulation
- ● Service learning programs
💡 Example: Contact Volunteer Canada, or your MP about community funding programs.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial volunteer programs and awards
- ● Provincial community grants
- ● Non-profit incorporation (provincial)
- ● Service organization support
💡 Example: Contact your provincial volunteer office about programs and awards.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local volunteer centres
- ● Municipal grants for community organizations
- ● Community events and festivals
- ● Neighbourhood associations
💡 Example: Contact your local volunteer centre, or your councillor about community grants.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Register as a volunteer through your local community center or online platforms like Volunteer Canada.
- ● Contact your municipal councillor about creating new volunteer opportunities in your neighbourhood.
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Options include food banks, shelters, libraries, community centres, schools, hospitals, environmental groups, and political campaigns. Use Volunteer Canada's search tool at volunteer.ca.
Canadians contribute over 1 billion volunteer hours annually, valued at over $30 billion. Volunteering strengthens communities, builds social connections, and develops skills.
While there is no direct tax credit for volunteering, you can donate to registered charities (which generate tax receipts) and claim those donations on your tax return.
There is no specific volunteer income tax credit in Canada. However, some provinces offer volunteer recognition programs and some employers offer volunteer time off (VTO).
Register as a non-profit under your provincial Corporations Act, obtain a charitable status from the CRA (if applicable), and develop a governance structure with a board of directors.