NDP urging Conservatives to support landmark dementia legislation

NDP MP Claude Gravelle (Nickel Belt) is urging the Conservatives, including federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose, to support his landmark bill for Canada’s first pan-Canadian dementia strategy.

“Since I introduced this bill in late 2011, the federal government has made some progress in dementia-related research and working with the provinces and territories,” said Gravelle. “The next step is real leadership on a comprehensive plan to address Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, including research, early diagnosis and prevention, as well as help for caregivers.”

Approximately 740,000 Canadians are currently, living with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, a figure set to double within a generation. Millions of Canadians are forced to quit their jobs or reduce their working hours in order to take care of loved ones.

In consultation with stakeholders across Canada, the NDP bill seeks to increase research and support for early diagnosis; improve early intervention and primary, home and community care; augment training for stakeholders working with dementia patients; and provide better support to informal caregivers.