Executive Council
December 5, 2012

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement:

Minister Recognizes International Volunteer Day

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to mark International Volunteer Day and celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers.

Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, thousands of people give freely of themselves. Whether it is serving on a town council, assisting seniors, or serving as a volunteer firefighter, giving is something that is woven into the fabric of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Economically and socially, volunteers play a significant role in our communities. They are on the ground in all regions of the province, supporting and promoting the growth of communities, local industries and local economies.

On an individual level, the rewards of volunteering are not monetary in value. They are much deeper than that. The feeling of contributing to the greater good is something that cannot be estimated or weighed.

In November, I had the opportunity to speak at a conference that attracted delegates from the volunteer and non-profit sector across the country. As well, my colleague from the District of Port au Port, recently addressed the Association of Fundraising Professions annual awards. We both came away from these events with an even greater appreciation of the value of volunteers in our province.

Through the newly formed Office of Public Engagement, which includes the Voluntary and Non-Profit Secretariat, we will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to develop programs and services to help meet their collective needs, so that they can best function, grow, and continue to contribute to the development of our communities.

In the coming weeks, the Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency will be conducting a census of the sector. The data collected will be used to help better shape policy, to ensure that we have the necessary resources in place. We look forward to hearing from our volunteer and non-profit sector; we value their input and their contributions.

While this day has been officially set aside to thank volunteers, it is something we should be doing not just one day of the year, but every day.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2012 12 05                            2:15 p.m.