Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of national volunteer week, I want to pay tribute to all those who generously give some of their time for the well-being of our society.
While we acknowledge their contribution during this week, our volunteers do not make a contribution for a day or a week, but throughout the year. In an august 1998 study, Statistics Canada indicated that 16.7 million Canadians, or seven people out of ten, are engaged in volunteer work.
These volunteers are involved in every possible area, including health, education, co-ops, the poor, culture, sports, unions and even politics.
This year's theme in Quebec, “Building tomorrow together”, accurately reflects what volunteer work means, and it is also fitting, as we are about to enter a new millennium.
On behalf of the Bloc Quebecois, I thank all the Quebec and Canadian volunteers for their invaluable contribution.