In closing I would like to say that I have been amazed by the level of discussion and the enthusiasm for the concept of social inclusion. What we need to do now, following this conference, is share as broadly as possible the outcomes of our discussions. As David Hay said in his remarks, we need to be talking to others and not just to each other.
One step in this direction will be to link the discussions from this conference on social inclusion with the upcoming Think Tank on a social development agenda that the CCSD is organizing next week in collaboration with NVO and United Way Canada. This meeting, which will be held in Mont Tremblant, Québec, will bring together a number of leaders in the voluntary sector to look at ways of putting social development back on the agenda of our governments. We need to remember what Michael Bach said today about the leadership of the voluntary sector and our ability as a sector to connect things. So let’s start by connecting this conference with the think tank on social development.
I hope that as a result of the Tremblant Think Tank we will see a new resolve to advocate on behalf of social development and on behalf of concepts such as social inclusion. A number of speakers reminded us of the need to strengthen our advocacy. Sherry Torjman spoke about the need to work on all fronts and to influence legislation, policy and process. John Godfrey reminded us of the essential role that members of Parliament can play and the help they can bring. And as Jane Jenson told us, the role of politics must never be underestimated. Perhaps, as Anver Saloojee suggested, the drafting of a manifesto may help make our voices heard.
Throughout all of our discussions, however, we have been reminded in no uncertain terms of the importance of finding language that will resonate with Canadians. Ed Broadbent challenged us all in this regard. I believe the concept of social inclusion can be made to resonate if we can find ways to talk about it. And in that regard, Sharon Chisolm reminded us of the Just Society concept, of the importance of champions such as Pierre Trudeau, and the need for pillars that will make social inclusion truly concrete in the minds of Canadians.
In closing, let me say that the CCSD and the Laidlaw Foundation are committed to the concept of social inclusion and perhaps now more than ever. We will continue to talk about how we can move this agenda forward and how we can work to sensitize our governments and Canadians generally to this important concept. There is a strong commitment from both our organizations to continue these discussions and to move forward, and the enthusiasm and resolve that we feel coming out of this conference will be a powerful reminder to follow through.
Thank you all for participating in what has been a very succesful conference. There may not have been unanimity on everything over the last two days, but that was certainly not expected nor even desired. There has been, however, much consensus and agreement that we need to move forward and that social inclusion represents a powerful concept to inform progressive social policy.
Thank you.
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