Canada’s New Government Honours 2007 Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award Recipients During National Volunteer Week

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(April 19, 2007) – The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today honoured Mr. Daniel Highway and Ms. Donna Jeffrey as the recipients of the 2007 Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award.

Each year, in recognition of the importance of volunteerism, the Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award honours two outstanding individuals for their contribution to their communities.

Therese Casgrain was the founder and President of the Quebec League of Women’s Rights and helped Quebec women gain the right to vote in 1940.”Canada’s New Government values the contributions that volunteers make to create stronger and more vibrant communities,” Minister Solberg. “It is through the efforts of people like Ms. Jeffrey and Mr. Highway that we can aspire to a stronger, safer and better Canada.”

For over 23 years, Mr. Highway has actively advanced the issues of concern to Aboriginal peoples in Manitoba. In 1994, he established the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards, and is one of the founders of the Inter-Provincial Association on Native Employment.

For over 30 years, Ms. Jeffrey has demonstrated leadership and creativity in advancing the cause of immigrants and refugees. Ms. Jeffrey is the founder and Executive Director of the Refugee Immigrant Advisory Council and serves on the Board of the Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural Council and on the Board of Governors of Acadia University.

Each year, one man and one woman are recognized for their exemplary contributions to the welfare of their fellow citizens. Recipients received a bronze medallion bearing the likeness of Therese Casgrain, a lapel pin and a certificate of recognition. In addition, a registered Canadian charity of their choice will receive a $5,000 grant.

To learn more about the Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca.

This news release and backgrounder are available in alternative formats upon request. Call 1-800-788-8282 on a touch-tone phone or a teletypewriter (TTY).

BACKGROUNDER

2007 Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award

About the Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award

Therese Casgrain, a native of Montreal, was the force behind various social reforms promoting justice and equality. She was involved in provincial, national and international organizations and was one of the pioneers of the women’s rights movement in Canada. The award, originally established in 1982, was re-launched in 2001 in her honour to recognize and celebrate the achievements of dedicated volunteers.

The Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award is presented annually to two Canadians, one man and one woman, who have contributed significantly to the advancement of a social cause and the well-being of their fellow Canadians.

The award consists of:

– a bronze medallion bearing the likeness of Therese Casgrain;

– a lapel pin and a certificate of recognition; and

– $5,000 to be awarded to a registered Canadian charity designated by the recipient.

The Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award is open to all Canadian citizens, with the exception of members of the Therese F. Casgrain Foundation, elected officials of government while serving in office, past recipients of the award and employees of Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Nominees may be sponsored by an organization or three individuals.

To find out more about the Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca

The 2007 Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award Recipients

Daniel Highway

For over 23 years, Daniel Highway has dedicated himself to advancing the social well-being of First Nations people, specifically those of Manitoba. Mr. Highway is known for his work with residential school healing, community talks with youth and cross-cultural activities.

Mr. Highway is widely regarded and respected as one of the founders of the Inter-Provincial Association on Native Employment. As a member for over 20 years and currently as National President of the organization, he promotes employment opportunities for Aboriginal people. His efforts have enabled many Aboriginal people to gain employment, training and educational experiences.

In 1994, Mr. Highway established the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards to recognize outstanding young Aboriginal men and women, and to provide opportunities for leaders in government, business and the community to meet with them.

In addition, Mr. Highway is known for his leadership role in many organizations, including the Aboriginal Leadership Institute and Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba. He continues to be active in facilitating workshops with industry and government agencies to advance the cause of Aboriginal peoples.

Donna Jeffrey

For over 30 years, Donna Jeffrey has demonstrated leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard work in advancing the cause of immigrants and refugees in Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Jeffrey is the founder and Executive Director of the Refugee Immigrant Advisory Council.

She is also the Refugee Coordinator and Sponsorship Agreement Holder for the Atlantic Provinces with the Canadian Baptist Federation.

Ms. Jeffrey has led efforts to provide a range of settlement services so that immigrants and refugees can build successful lives in Canada. In partnership with local employers, she enables refugees and immigrants to access job training and apprenticeships, as well as internships for foreign-trained nurses and social workers. In addition, she engages with local schools to meet the learning needs of refugee and immigrant children.

Her persistent efforts in the advancement of fair and equitable treatment for others, her professionalism and her passion have earned her deep respect.

Ms. Jeffrey currently serves on the Board of the Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural Council and on the Board of Governors of Acadia University in Nova Scotia.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Human Resources and Social Development Canada
Media Relations Office
819-994-5559