A total of 17 Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards will be awarded across the country. Three awards will be available in each of the following five Canadian regions: Atlantic Canada, Québec, Ontario, the Prairies, British Columbia and Northern Canada. These will be presented in the following categories:
There will also be two national awards, one to recognize lifelong achievement and one for a young adult.
Regional award recipients will receive a $5,000 grant for the not-for-profit organization of their choice, while national award recipients will receive $10,000 for their organization of choice. The awards will be managed and funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
The first call for nominations for the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards will open in April 2011 during National Volunteer Week. Recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony in December 2011.