Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches, for my first member's statement, I would like to take a moment to talk about the values that unite us and define who we are in my riding, Jonquière.
Over the past few weeks, hundreds of people have gone out into the streets to raise money to help our fellow citizens in need.
Our media fundraising drive raised a record amount for Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean: $223,000. I want to congratulate all the volunteers and thank everyone who donated.
This is an excellent example of the essence of the values, such as sharing, generosity, and dignity, that make the people of Jonquière and the north shore such a tight-knit community.
It is clear to me that as a community, our unity makes us stronger.
I am so proud that the good people of my riding have trusted me to represent them, and I would once again like to recognize the enormous contributions made by our volunteers in the community. In that spirit, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and a 2016 full of hope, optimism and mutual support.