Provincial Government and the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector
Strategize to Set Goals for the Future

More than 80 individuals from across the province representing the volunteer and non-profit sector, the private sector and the Provincial Government are in Corner Brook for the 2012 Community Summit. The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, provided opening remarks at the two-day event which began this morning.

“As a government, we celebrate the role of the voluntary, non-profit sector and its immense value and importance to the social, economic and cultural fabric of our communities,” said Minister McGrath. “Increasingly, we depend on voluntary and non-profit groups to deliver services, provide care and support, and generally improve the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians everywhere.”

An initial community summit was held in 2010 which concluded with the development of a “roadmap” containing 10 goals for the sector. This roadmap has been a critical planning document for both the Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat and the overall sector. During the 2010 summit, it was proposed that a second summit be held two years later.

“It’s important for us all to look ahead and define where it is we want to go, identify new opportunities and determine how best we can work together to be even more productive,” added Minister McGrath.

The Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat was established in 2008 and is committed to working with organizations to enhance the capacity of the sector to meet changing community needs; promoting and celebrating volunteers and the value of volunteerism; and providing policy advice and expertise within government on the issues and needs of the sector.

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Media contact:
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications
Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs
Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat
709-729-1674, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca

2012 02 27               9:20 a.m.