Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to that segment of our society we sometimes forget or overlook. With the United Nations having declared this year the International Year of the Family it is appropriate to recognize the importance of grandparents in the traditional family structure.
In provinces throughout Canada the second Sunday in September in each year has already been set aside as a day on which we honour grandparents.
I wish to extend my warmest wishes to all grandparents. We must not forget their importance to the structure of the family in the nurturing, upbringing and education of our children. Sometimes the greatest gift a child will receive will be the wisdom and experience offered by a grandparent.
I am certain many of us here today have experienced the joys of sharing a day or a special moment with a grandparent.
I urge the government to recognize the important role they play in society and set aside the second Sunday in September in each year as a day to remember grandparents.