Mr. Speaker, from food banks and employment training to health services and community support, Canada's non-profit and charitable sector supports people every single day. When families need help, when young people need opportunity and when communities need connection, this sector is the first place that Canadians turn to.
Canada's non-profit and charitable sector generates $244 billion in annual economic activity, contributes 8.4% of our GDP and employs nearly three million people across this country. These organizations are not only community builders, they are major economic drivers.
In Spadina—Harbourfront, we are proud to be home to organizations like FORA: Network for Change, Movember, Eva's Initiatives, the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, TakingITGlobal, the Casa Foundation and many more. These organizations deliver essential services, create jobs, build local economies and drive social resilience. When non-profits thrive, communities grow stronger, our economy grows stronger and Canada prospers.
I invite all colleagues to join me this evening at Imagine Canada's reception to celebrate this vital sector. The sector's work strengthens our communities from coast to coast to coast.