The following statement was issued today by Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am happy to take this opportunity to recognize a very important celebration this week in Newfoundland and Labrador. April 17 - 23 is National Volunteer Week. It is an opportunity to honour the many people who, by volunteering in social, recreational, economic and other community nonprofit groups, make our province a better place to live.

National Volunteer Week is sponsored by the Canadian Association of Volunteer Bureaux and Centres in partnership with the Voluntary Action Program. Provincially, the Community Services Council will be sponsoring a variety of events and activities to pay tribute to volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Voluntarism enriches our community and makes a valuable contribution to our provincial and national character. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador encourages and supports community partnerships in economic and social development. Volunteers are one of our most important partners. Our volunteers give endless time to social interests and causes. In addition, though their work is beyond monetary value, voluntarism contributes significantly to our local economy.

The work of volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador is diverse. In our province there are more than 4,300 voluntary, community-based organizations employing thousands of people. Equally impressive, there are over 138,000 volunteers who donate the highest average of annual hours to volunteering in Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador�s voluntary sector relies on its volunteers to provide valuable community programs and services that enhance the quality of life.

Volunteers support cultural diversity and heritage by promoting the arts, celebrating cultural identities, and preserving historical sites. Many volunteers also advance issues and priorities important to women in our province.

On behalf of this government I would like to thank all volunteers in our province and applaud their invaluable social and economic contributions to our lives.

2005 04 18                                  1:55 p.m.