“Today is National Philanthropy Day. Giving to charity makes our communities stronger and brings people together. I want all Canadians to give what they can and to thank the people and groups who support charities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly celebrate National Philanthropy Day. National Philanthropy Day is celebrated on November 15 by networks such as Philanthropic Foundations Canada, Environment Funders Canada, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Imagine Canada, as well as thousands of philanthropic foundations, community foundations, donor-advised funds, charitable organizations and non-profit organizations. I spent a decade working in the philanthropic sector, and I can attest personally that philanthropy helps strengthen society because it contributes to important public policy developments and advances issues that Canadians believe in. Philanthropy makes Canada strong because it helps build vibrant communities and active civic participation by bringing people and communities together. On National Philanthropy Day, I encourage all Canadians to open their hearts, discover their moment to give, and thank philanthropic stakeholders, who give creatively and generously in ways that serve the public good and make Canada thrive.”