Hey Justin Trudeau? Tony's got your back!

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************* Martin backs Justin Trudeau’s motion for volunteer service program for youth

Cites Katimavik program in Sault, own Junior Ranger experience OTTAWA - New Liberal MP Justin Trudeau won the 40th Parliament’s private members’ business lottery to be first to introduce his own legislation.

He wants Canada to start a national volunteer service program for youth. After meeting with Trudeau, Sault MP Tony Martin has promised New Democrat support in a House of Commons speech. “It is in keeping with the spirit with which his father gave great leadership to the country many years ago,” Martin said. “Certainly, I was an admirer of his father's quest for a just society and his focus on social justice, things like the Canada Assistance Plan which is in keeping with the values of my party and caucus.” “It might be a good recipe in this time of recession. It could mobilize an entire generation of people, who may find themselves out of work and with little to do to participate to make their communities better and to learn new skills. “It can give young people the experience to appreciate the value of community service and capacity building; that there is more to life than making more and more money or consuming or buying things. Volunteer programs, like what is imagined here, can do the extraordinary work of twinning our seniors and young people in projects where we honour the seniors' wisdom, skills, and put these two generations together to learn from each other and grow our communities even more.” Martin cited dinners he has shared with different Katimavik volunteers in Sault. Ste. Marie. “There were young people from across the country sharing culture, language, experience and learning from each other and the communities in which they are now engaged in volunteer activities. It was very positive and it impressed me.” Martin also recalled his junior ranger program service in Wawa with the Ministry of Natural Resources “We used to bring literally hundreds of young people from the big cities into the wilderness to provide them with the experience of working in that wonderful part of our province and country. I am sure some of them actually went on to study natural resources and becoming professionals and volunteers looking after our environment.” Research indicates youth tend to volunteer with different types of organizations than other volunteers, for example, education, research and social services organizations.

They engage in different types of volunteer activities, for example, coaching, refereeing, officiating or fundraising.

Their motivations also differ from others.

They are more likely to volunteer to improve their job opportunities, to explore their own strengths, and because their friends volunteer as well.

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