Mr. Speaker, Alexis De Tocqueville once wrote that volunteerism is the foundation of the civil society. I am happy to report to the House that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in Winnipeg South.
Last month I attended two receptions for volunteers at the Dakota and Greendale community clubs. Without these volunteers who quietly go about running the community centres without adulation or acclaim, there would be no hockey, no soccer, no baseball, no dance, no recreational activities for seniors.
I believe, as Jeremy Rifkin and many others do, that volunteers such as the ones from the Greendale and Dakota community clubs serve as a third pillar which complements the role of government and the private sector in our society.
At this festive time of the year it is appropriate to recognize the efforts of those who make things a little better for others. So, to the many civic-minded volunteers who undertake work of such importance to the quality of life in my riding, I simply want to say thank you.