Mr. Speaker,

It is a privilege for me to rise and pay tribute to the Portage Plains

United Way.

I was pleased to attend their kick-off luncheon last week and to see firsthand the commitment these people have to giving back to their community.

This United Way donates 100% of all funds raised to organizations in Portage la Prairie and the surrounding area. These organizations include Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada, The MS Society, the Portage Family Abuse Prevention Centre, and many others.

I want to congratulate them and wish them great success as they begin their fall fundraising campaign.

The leadership that groups like this show, can set an example to all of us in this House as we begin our fall session.

Let's all commit to putting the needs of Canadians above all else. Let's all commit to serving Canadians instead of asking Canadians to serve our own political agendas.

I believe we can do it and it is what Canadians deserve.