Mr. Speaker, volunteerism is very important to all organizations involved in the arts, community work and multiculturalism.
Without volunteers, the work of these organizations would be far more complex and more difficult.
During the 20 years I have done volunteer work, I have met some wonderful people who were deeply involved in their role as volunteers.
This week is national volunteer week and in Canada we have much to celebrate. Not many countries have the luxury of counting on as large a component of volunteers who are skilled, knowledgeable, generous and professional as Canada has.
Today I pay tribute to all those Canadian volunteers I have met and worked with over the years, starting with the seniors of the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver who look after the grounds under the leadership of Mario Gabriele, a very generous man of 84 years of age. They do it with pride and love.
To all Canadian volunteers, thank you for your work, generosity and dedication.