Mr. Speaker, Best Buddies-Vrais Copains is an international organization that has been operating in Canada since 1993 by establishing one-to-one matches between students and people with intellectual disabilities. Some 6,000 participants can be found in 250 Best Buddies chapters in schools, colleges and universities throughout Canada.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of honouring the University of Ottawa Best Buddies chapter.
This chapter has been extremely successful for the past 11 years. With 160 participants, it is one of Canada's largest and most active Best Buddies chapters. Katie Day, the chapter co-president, was very proud of her volunteers and their achievements.
What touched me the most was the warmth, good humour and joy that was so evident in every participant at the meeting. Best Buddies proves that friendship is one of the best ways to combat social isolation.
My heartfelt congratulations go to the University of Ottawa Best Buddies chapter and to other such chapters throughout Canada.