I rise today to acknowledge April 27-May 3 as National Volunteer Week. Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the great work that volunteers do in every neighbourhood and community right across our province. Volunteers make a significant contribution economically, socially, and culturally to the way of life we cherish so much.

There are approximately 187,000 volunteers that contribute 35 million hours of valuable unpaid time to their communities and community organizations. Furthermore Mr. Speaker currently in Newfoundland and Labrador there are over 23,000 people employed by volunteer and non-profit organizations in a concerted effort to make our province stronger.

This year�s theme, "Volunteers! You�re Part of the Picture", encourages us all, young and old alike, to get involved in the community and volunteer. Not only do volunteers help people in the community lead happier, healthier and more productive lives, but the volunteers themselves benefit in the same way.

Our Government has made a commitment to the voluntary and non-profit sector. We are continuing to strengthen the relationship between Government and the voluntary and non-profit sector to make the best use of all our skills and resources. We want to support the sector as it strives to improve its capacity and address the challenges shared by so many of us in a quickly changing society. Government has much to do to address its own policies to support volunteerism, encourage partnership and get the best value for public resources.

I have had tremendous opportunities to engage with groups and individuals from Lab West and Goose Bay, down the west coast, central Newfoundland, the Burin and Avalon Peninsulas and I plan on continuing these meetings into the future. I have had the chance to listen to the challenges and concerns they face. But I have also heard innovative ideas, discussed exciting plans and heard wonderful success stories. I know the important and integral role these individuals and organizations play in our community. I know they make a difference.

As honourable members go about their business this week I ask that you encourage your constituents to take some time, with you, to join your community celebrations and honour the valuable work that the voluntary and non-profit sector contributes to our great province. I am encouraging the people of the province to volunteer; a few minutes a day, a few hours a week or a few days a month can make a difference. Volunteer and become part of the picture.