Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present a petition signed by thousands of Canadians from every area of the country who say that there are many young Canadians who desire to serve their society as volunteers in Canada and abroad but that the majority of them are denied this opportunity because the government funds are not there for respective NGOs to continue this kind of work.
Thousands of communities in Canada and abroad are therefore denied the stimulating presence of young, enthusiastic and dynamic volunteers, not to mention the substantial economic spinoff that comes from this kind of activity.
The petitioners are calling upon Parliament to enact legislation that will allow young Canadians, who wish to do so, to serve their community here in Canada and abroad in this way.