Mr. Speaker, today marks the 150th anniversary of the YMCA, first established in Montreal in 1851.
For the past century and a half, the YMCA has shown the way, been a model of community spirit and action, inspired and expressed by thousands of volunteers across Canada.
Today the YMCA provides programs and projects to one and a half million people of all ages, creeds and walks of life in 250 communities across Canada. Through its trail-blazing programs in the field of education, health and life skills training, the YMCA and its 30,000 volunteers play a key role in community building in our nation.
It is part of an international network present in over 40 countries in the world. The YMCA is truly a model of community social justice and harmony.
We congratulate the YMCA on its excellent community work and wish it a long life in our midst.