Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw my colleagues' attention to the fact that this is National Teachers Week.
All too often, Canada's teachers work in the shadows.
Yet we entrust them with one of the most fundamental tasks in our society: preparing our young people to take responsibility for their own futures, and consequently for the future of this country.
Theirs is no easy task. As well as imparting the knowledge students require to become fully participating members of society, teachers are there to share the joys and sorrows of each and every one of their charges.
As such, they are invaluable allies for all Canadian parents, and those parents are the first to recognize just what a wonderful contribution they make.
On behalf of us all, I salute and thank all of this country's teachers.