Mr. Speaker, this year Canadians along with all members of the United Nations celebrate the International Year of the Family.
The family has undergone tremendous changes since the days following World War II. Attempts to define what is now the traditional family would be most difficult.
The changes the family unit have endured have made it all that more important. All of us have been affected by changes to the family. An aging population, dual income families, women in the workforce and divorce have forced us all to look at families in a different light.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the families of members of Parliament. Our absence away from home, the challenges and demands of our position and the pressures of office all take a toll on our families. They share the responsibility of our public service. We as parliamentarians owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and dedication to the work we do and this should never be forgotten.