Mr. Speaker, the G.N.W.T. Volunteer Support Initiative action plan speaks specifically about the support of volunteers in the N.W.T. Since 2005 this initiative has only paid us lip service. Today I will use my Member’s statement as a plea for action supporting volunteers and volunteer organizations.
We all know what volunteers mean for our community. Volunteers ensure that sports and recreation activities take place. Volunteers do fundraising, organize food banks, assist the homeless, teach, do organize community cleanup — Mr. Speaker, the list does go on.
Ask around. Getting our community events off the ground without volunteer support is like making guacamole without avocados. These are only examples of volunteer activities, but the list of good Samaritan activities could go on and on endlessly. Volunteering contributes to good citizenship and our economy, saves the public purse money and creates the healthy community that we all live in — and not to mention, volunteerism helps all Members of this House.
Our government has to start showing our commitment to its volunteers. There is an easy way for this government to show its commitment. The G.N.W.T. can introduce a program allowing its employees to take one day per year to volunteer. We are, as a government, yet again behind the times when it comes to showing our support for volunteering and volunteer days. The benefits a volunteer day would provide would outweigh any costs. This new form of civic leadership would inspire employees to contribute to their community. It would demonstrate that the government values and recognizes the engagement in simple ways in volunteer activities. It would show that the government means action in supporting volunteers.
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for our Premier later today.
