Statement by Official Opposition Health critic Libby Davies (Vancouver East) on Multiple Sclerosis Recognition Month

Multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common neurological disease among Canadian young adults, affects the lives of thousands of Canadians every day. Its symptoms include fatigue, loss of balance as well as vision impairment, and difficulty walking and speaking. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world and every day, three more Canadians are diagnosed with this chronic disease.

To help increase awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS) and enhance efforts to find a cure for this disease, May is MS month. This is an opportunity for all Canadians to help by donating or volunteering to ease the lives of people who have been diagnosed with this debilitating condition.

Research is critically important, and on many occasions, we in the NDP have urged the government to act on new research results.

As we observe MS month, we salute the MS Society of Canada and the many activists who have worked so hard to bring to Parliament’s attention the need for action and support for new research and treatment findings. We pledge that we will continue to support efforts to find a cure, and support those living with MS to live with dignity and the supports they need.