Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to welcome the Canadian Fraternal Association which is holding its annual meeting in Ottawa this week.
The association is celebrating 105 years of service to Canadians. The 22 benevolent organizations which are its members represent 400,000 Canadians and their families.
Fraternal organizations contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, scholarships, educational programs and fund raising support to benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. Across Canada countless hours of volunteer time are contributed to our communities. The Canadian fraternal organizations reach out to all Canadians.
I urge my colleagues in the House to set aside some time for the delegates from their ridings who are in Ottawa this week and want to meet with them.