Ontario needs to reduce barriers to volunteering: researcher

By CityNews Ottawa

A researcher with Cardus believes the provincial government should be reducing barriers to individuals who wish to volunteer.

JoAnna VanHof, a researcher with Cardus, a non-partisan, faith-based think tank and registered charity dedicated to promoting a flourishing society through independent research, robust public dialogue, and thought-provoking commentary, told The Sam Laprade Show on Tuesday, July 12 that it's becoming expensive to volunteer, and vulnerable sector checks are costing too much for low-income volunteers and smaller charities. 

“Affordability should never be a barrier to volunteering,” she said. “Governments should lower the barriers to volunteering. It's the hallmark of good citizenship.”

VanHof said it would cost the province roughly eight million dollars to eliminate the barriers groups like Cardus have been advocating for. 

Fees for volunteering can cost individuals and organizations $35 per person. 

“Volunteering and the charity sectors struggled through COVID,” she added. “As we move back into and ramp up our life, the Ontario government can help with the recovery of the charity sector.”

Listen to the full interview with JoAnna VanHof below:

 

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