The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, welcomed approximately 300 people between the ages of 15 and 30 into the lobby of Confederation Building to celebrate their contribution to the volunteer sector.

"This is a remarkable group of young people," said Premier Williams. "Through their commitment to the environment, the arts, faith groups, recreation, underdeveloped countries and members of the community both young and old, our youth volunteers have a positive impact on the quality of life for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We commend them for their hard work and dedication and encourage all young people to get involved in their communities."

Newfoundland and Labrador has an aging society resulting in a decrease in volunteering and an increase in needs for community-based organizations and services. Engaging young people and encouraging their involvement in the voluntary and non-profit sector will ensure the province continues to thrive.

One way to accomplish this goal is through the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy. The Provincial Government has invested over $5 million to support the development and implementation of this strategy. Five hundred young people attended the deliberative dialogue sessions all across the province and country. This strategy will lay the groundwork that will allow young people to stay in the province. The strategy is expected to be launched this summer.

Approximately 50 per cent of young people in Canada are engaged in volunteer activities, contributing approximately 6.2 million person hours of valuable, unpaid time to their communities each year.

"Young people are the future of this province and it is important that we recognize the time and effort they put into making their communities better places to live," said Minister Denine. "Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a strong culture of giving and caring. It was obvious by the bright and promising group of young people we celebrated today that this tradition is strong and growing. Regardless of their busy schedules, they have given of themselves to enrich the lives of others and in turn to make our province a better place."

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