Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation in Fredericton-York-Sunbury on the success of its major fundraising luncheon last Wednesday. The foundation, now nine years old, has the ultimate goal of eradicating family violence in our communities.
Just a year and a half ago the foundation established the first research centre on family violence in Canada. Working in co-operation with the University of New Brunswick and community organizations, the research centre's primary objective is understanding the cyclical nature of family violence.
Family violence is one of the most serious social problems today. It underlies obstacles faced by youth, impacts the workplace, undermines the economy, promotes substance abuse and fosters violence outside the family. The list goes on.
I encourage members of the House and all Canadians to show support for the agencies in their communities committed to the elimination of family violence.