Mr. Speaker, Laughing Does Matter is an interest group of professionals and volunteers who promote the benefits of laughter in all walks of life.
Thanks to the efforts of Irene Martin and the late Marjorie Mann, June 21 has been declared Laughter Day in Ottawa-Carleton. They are encouraging Parliament to proclaim this date as National Laughter Day.
Laughter tends to bring us together as a community and as a country. Laughter serves as a valuable coping mechanism and has many physical, psychological and social benefits. Sometimes Canadians need a shot in the arm to help them deal with the realities and uncertainties of job loss, high unemployment or just making ends meet. It is a well-known fact in the health care field that laughter helps dissipate fears, frustrations and anger. It helps people regain the health and energy they need to keep on fighting.
I invite Canadians from coast to coast and my colleagues in the House of Commons to join us in celebrating Laughter Day. Let us all have a good laugh today.