Protect volunteers with a Ontario VOLUNTEER PROTECTION ACT

Volunteers play a critical role in society. Volunteers provide many services and host many events that citizens benefit from and enjoy, which would otherwise not be available. Some organizations could not operate without a combination of paid and volunteer staff.

Despite this, volunteers remain in a potentially vulnerable situation in Ontario. Unlike Nova Scotia, Ontario has no specific legislation that addresses the duties and obligations of volunteers or volunteer activities. 

It is understood that volunteer organizations buy insurance to protect themselves but this is expensive and uses money that could be used to provide community services. This expense could be reduced or potentially eliminated if a Ontario VOLUNTEER PROTECTION ACT was enacted.

Volunteers need protection from the Ontario government and the police. 

While volunteering at a Rotary Christmas parade in December 2020 volunteer John de Koning was assaulted when a driver using a cell phone drove into him twice and the passenger got out of the car and threw a partially consumed liquid at him which went in his mouth, eyes, etc. This occurred during the Covid 19 pandemic. The police stated that one of the vehicle occupants was a member of the clergy.  The police did not charge and chose not to protect a volunteer.

The good intentions of volunteers will not protect them against the actions of others who are not responsible and are not held accountable by our justice system. If volunteers are valued then they must be protected.

A Volunteer Protection Act must be enacted to guide and protect volunteers and police should be issued a directive similar to that of domestic assault victims, in that persons committing criminal offences against volunteers must be charged if appropriate evidence exists.

Please help create positive change by signing this petition.
Thank you
John de Koning

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