OTTAWA – Today, Bill Siksay (Burnaby Douglas) introduced a private member’s bill which would designate the week of August 1 to 7 every year as “Williams Syndrome Awareness Week.”

Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is caused by an abnormality in chromosomes. It can affect brain development and can cause various physical problems such as cardiovascular disease. Individuals with this disorder become highly verbal and social.

“Designating this week would raise awareness of Williams Syndrome, and hopefully advance education and research into the condition,” said Siksay. “I think a heightened awareness of this condition will facilitate the integration of those with Williams Syndrome into society.”

"By establishing this Awareness Week for Williams Syndrome we are creating world knowledge for many parents, professionals and the public of a syndrome that often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed,” said Diane Reid, Chair of the Canadian Association for Williams Syndrome. “Our kids throw educational theories out the window since their tested IQ levels are a series of peaks and valleys that aren’t supposed to exist.”

“This bill will go a long way towards ensuring individuals with Williams Syndrome will be included in their communities so they may make their unique contributions to Canadian society,” concluded Siksay.