Statement made on 28 April 2009 by Senator Terry Mercer
Hon. Terry M. Mercer:
Honourable senators, I hope you will join me in thanking Senator Carstairs for her leadership in the preparation of the report of the Special Senate Committee on Aging.
Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
Senator Mercer: For those honourable senators who have not read the report, I commend it to you. This is really about Canada's aging population seizing the opportunity. My question concerns volunteerism.
Volunteers provide essential services to Canadians, in particular to seniors through programs such as Meals On Wheels. Volunteer work allows society to tap into the skills and knowledge of older Canadians. Indeed, the report of the committee encourages the federal government to show leadership by promoting volunteerism, in particular among and for seniors.
Will the minister tell us how her ministry encourages seniors to volunteer during these hard economic times when volunteers are most needed?
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