Executive Council
December 4, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier 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 recognize tomorrow, December 5, as International Volunteer Day.

Volunteers are the backbone of our society, and many of the essential services available in our communities are a result of the time, energy, and dedication of our volunteers.

Nowhere is that more true than in Newfoundland and Labrador, where volunteers, on average, give 155 hours of service per year. For a province that has just over 500,000 people, we have well over 190,000 active volunteers.

The efforts of volunteers to improve the lives of people in our neighbourhoods and communities, our province, our country, and increasingly, around the world, are proof that the spirit of giving back in Newfoundland and Labrador has never been in better shape.

Mr. Speaker, International Volunteer Day, observed annually by the United Nations, recognizes and celebrates volunteerism, with a special focus this year on honouring people’s participation in making a difference at all levels: locally, nationally, and globally.

This year’s theme People’s Participation. Make change happen, volunteer! highlights the ability of volunteerism to help create open spaces for dialogue and inclusion, ultimately fostering the participation of people from all age groups, genders, and backgrounds.

Mr. Speaker, as a government, we acknowledge the role of the community sector and its immense value and importance to the social, economic and cultural fabric of our communities. In fact, we commenced an ambitious Open Government Initiative this year to build even stronger partnerships with communities and give people a greater say in the decisions that make a difference in their lives.

As I look around this Honourable House, Mr. Speaker, I see colleagues who are supporting and recognizing the contributions of people across this province on a daily basis. You thank volunteers and acknowledge their outstanding efforts in many ways, including through special events, awards, and statements by members.

On International Volunteer Day, I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to be inspired by these examples, and to look around their own communities and celebrate exceptional people and organizations that are enriching the lives of others.

Thank you.

2014 12 04                                   2:00 p.m.