Ottawa, ON — MP Candice Bergen is reminding community members that the call for nominations for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards was recently announced by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development (TBC).

“The Government of Canada is proud of all the Canadians whose voluntary work enriches our communities and exemplifies all that makes Canada such a great country,” said Minister Finley. “The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards are a celebration of their leadership, dedication, innovation and expertise.”

The call for nominations is open between December 20, 2012, and March 1, 2013. The regional component recognizes individual volunteers or groups of volunteers, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The national component is divided into two categories: one for lifelong achievement and one for new volunteers.

Award recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony, and can identify an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award).

“The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards recognize the contributions of volunteers, businesses and not-for-profit organizations that help make communities stronger,” said MP Bergen. “There are many deserving award recipients in this region, but someone must nominate them.”

The Morden Research Centre specializes in developing improved varieties, production and protection practices to increase the marketability of ornamentals, flax, field peas and beans for the prairie region. Being in operation for 23 years, the Morden Research Centre has been an important part of the community and continues to provide many jobs in the area.

A nominator may be any person or organization with direct knowledge of the nominee’s contribution.

The first recipients of the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards were recognized at an awards ceremony held on December 14, 2012, in Ottawa.

A nominator may be any person or organization with direct knowledge of the nominee’s contribution.

Visit www.pm.gc.ca/awards for more information about the awards and to access the online nomination form.