Mr. Speaker, as we enter the Christmas season and celebrate the birth of Christ, Canadians are reminded that this is a time not only of celebration and hope, but also of compassion and grace.
Across our communities, local food banks and charities are working tirelessly to ensure that no family goes hungry and that every child feels the joy of Christmas. Their work reflects the best of who we are, which is to be generous, caring and grounded in faith and service. Across my riding in Bow River, charities are ensuring that families and children have the support they need this season. The Wheatland County Food Bank holiday food drive is helping local families in Strathmore, while St. Joseph's Parish in Vauxhall is once again setting up its angel tree to collect gifts for the Vauxhall and Area Food Bank.
Matthew reminds us, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Let us support these efforts. Let us also ensure that government policy respects and empowers faith-based charities and parishes whose missions lift up the most vulnerable in our communities.