Statistics Canada released the results from the Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating, which includes indicators that measure participation in volunteer activities and the experiences of volunteers and donors. According to the study, the overall volunteer rate—which includes formal and informal volunteering—decreased by 8% in 2023 compared to 2018. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the total number of hours of formal and informal volunteering by Canadians, from 5.0 billion hours in 2018 to 4.1 billion hours in 2023, which is an 18% decrease.
The study found that women, young adults aged 25 to 34, and people with an education level below high school diploma had the largest declines in the rate of formal volunteering. In comparison to 2018, the total number of volunteer hours decreased significantly in sectors related to hospitals (-47%), sports and recreation associations (-34%), education and research (-30%), and religious organizations (-23%).
For further study insights, click here.