Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for all those who have contributed to the development of co-operatives that I want to emphasize the importance of National Co-Operative Week and of International Credit Union Day.
The co-op movement reflects the values of mutual help and solidarity which are dear to Quebecers and Canadians. In many regions, the co-op movement provided the solution to ensure an harmonious development geared to the needs of the local community. Agricultural co-operatives were among the first to support the economic development of our regions. They provided an efficient and economical tool to ensure that the required services were available for agricultural production. Co-operatives have played, and continue to play, an important role in job creation. They provide over 133,000 jobs to Canadians and Quebecers.
The co-op system has fully shown its usefulness. It is an important component of Quebec's economy. Just think of the strength of the caisses populaires Desjardins and of the dairy co-operatives. The co-op movement is based on a local community taking charge; by pooling its resources and working as a team, it can be very successful.
This year marks the one hundredth anniversary of the International Co-operative Alliance. It is an opportunity to reflect on the
fact that, for decades now, people all over the world have believed in the virtues of the co-op movement and have worked hard to make these known to others.
I congratulate these people, I encourage them to keep up the good work, and I wish them the best of success in their future endeavours.