Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is national volunteer week, April 18th to the 25th, and volunteers are the backbone of many community organizations here in the Territories. I understand that we have over 2,000 organizations and in Yellowknife alone there are some 300. Together these agencies create more that 400 jobs and contribute an estimated $13 million to the economy. There is a message here for the government, Mr. Speaker, these agencies for the most part cannot exist without a coordinator, someone to recruit, train and supervise the volunteers. Without coordinators the agencies are severely hindered in their ability to operate. Yet when government revenues fall, paid coordinators are often the first to be eliminated. Volunteers pick up the slack and fill the gaps in the social system left by government budget cuts. Government must learn to appropriately value the voluntary sector here in the north.

This Sunday, Mr. Speaker, I would like to make reference to the community service awards that will be presented during ceremonies at St. Patrick High School here in Yellowknife. Some 36 volunteers will be honoured, 12 youth volunteers will be singled out, four corporate citizens will be recognized for their outstanding contributions. I extend thanks to all the dedicated community minded people who volunteer their time and service to the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause