My fellow senators, we live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but too many Canadians still struggle with poverty and vulnerability.

Every day across Canada, food banks and food bank workers make a difference in the lives of many disadvantaged people. Their contribution is invaluable. Food banks, which are community-based organizations, help brighten the day-to-day lives of these people just a little bit by making them feel less alone and isolated, if only for a few hours.

Although food banks receive some government funding, they would not survive without generous donations of time and money from individuals.

[English]

I want to talk to you about the Dalhousie Food Bank and its facilities in Restigouche, New Brunswick. It is thanks to one of our own, Senator Paul E. McIntyre, whom I will honour even in his absence today, that the food bank is welcoming clients in a newly renovated building and will soon be able to serve at least one hot meal a day to hundreds of disadvantaged individuals for about $1,500 a month.

Senator McIntyre has contributed a significant portion of his salary to the Restigouche County Volunteer Action Association. He has also made a large donation to the Service de bienfaisance Saint-Albert in Campbellton.

At the official opening of the Restigouche facility a few days ago, Senator McIntyre said:

Being a senator is a great honour and privilege. When I accepted this position, I promised that I would donate part of my salary to charitable organizations in my area. And because helping the less fortunate is very important to me, I felt compelled to participate in this project.

By walking the talk and through his substantial and concrete commitment, Senator McIntyre is a role model for other potential benefactors.

The needs of the food banks in Dalhousie and Restigouche are growing, as are the needs of many other food banks and community-based sharing agencies across the country.

[Translation]

Senator McIntyre, my New Brunswick colleagues René Cormier, Nancy Hartling and Pierrette Ringuette, along with all members of the Independent Senators Group, join me in applauding your altruism and generosity. We thank you for making such a useful and meaningful contribution to improving the lives of the least fortunate members of your community. You are truly honourable.