Volunteer, Non-Profit Groups Encouraged to Participate in Census

The Provincial Government announced today it will be conducting a census of the volunteer and non-profit sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. The census, the first of its kind in Canada, will capture the number, location, mandate and labour market information of volunteer and non-profit organizations in the province.

“Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, volunteer and non-profit organizations make significant contributions to the social and economic development of communities and regions,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement. “The information collected will be used to create an updated detailed demographic profile of the sector. It will ensure that we, as a government, have the information we need to better support and develop policies that enhance the sector.”

The census will occur in two phases. Over the next three months, the Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency will call volunteer and non-profit organizations to determine how many groups exist in the province, and where they are located. In cases where no phone number is available, a short form will be sent out by mail to collect basic contact information. Towards the end of the first phase of the census, groups and organizations who have not been formally contacted will be invited to call a toll-free line to participate. The second phase of the census will involve the distribution of a more detailed questionnaire to all groups which will collect mandate and labour market information.

Government estimates that there are approximately 5,000 volunteer and non-profit organizations, employing close to 23,000 people in Newfoundland and Labrador. According to statistics compiled in 2010, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians volunteered nearly 35 million hours, or, on average 155 volunteer hours per person each year. This census will, among other things, provide an updated demographic profile of the sector.

“This census is a valuable exercise and I encourage all volunteers and non-profit organizations to participate,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. “I would like to acknowledge and thank the partners for their work on this census. The information collected will help us have a better understanding of the volunteer and non-profit sector throughout our province.”

The census is being conducted through a partnership of the Office of Public Engagement, Memorial University’s Harris Centre, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency. Confidentiality of all information collected will be protected and will be used to conduct research and share information with the volunteer and non-profit sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2013 10 23                                     1:45 p.m.