Mr. Speaker, the theme of Volunteer Week 2006, held in Quebec until April 29, is “Volunteering for all tastes”.
Let us acknowledge the importance of the work carried out by the thousands of men and women who spend time and energy helping and supporting others in society.
In Quebec alone, there are 526,000 volunteers working in social services and health agencies, 359,000 volunteers working in culture and entertainment, 133,000 in education and almost half a million who lend their passion, generosity and knowledge to other sectors of society.
Every second of the day there are people around us who do something to bring a moment of happiness to someone else. Every day, hundreds of our citizens volunteer to defend the rights of the most vulnerable.
On the occasion of volunteer week, the Bloc Québécois wants to say thank you to each and every one of them.