"April 22-28 is National Volunteer Week in Canada, an opportunity to acknowledge our neighbours, colleagues and volunteers who work at the community level to make Canada a better place to live.

More than 7.5 million volunteers in this country work to support their fellow Canadians in so many different ways. I am especially proud to acknowledge their contribution this year which the United Nations has declared the International Year of Volunteers.

This volunteer spirit has always been strong in Canada and I am pleased to note that the young people of this country are increasingly becoming involved in volunteer activities. Their energy and creativity help to keep our communities strong and ensure the quality of life we enjoy as Canadians."