{"id":41479,"date":"2023-11-08T10:20:38","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T15:20:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parkinson.ca\/?p=41479"},"modified":"2023-11-08T10:20:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T15:20:38","slug":"parkinsons-on-the-hill-highlights-from-parkinson-canadas-2023-parliament-hill-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archiveparkinson.thedev.ca\/fr\/parkinsons-on-the-hill-highlights-from-parkinson-canadas-2023-parliament-hill-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Parkinson\u2019s on the Hill: Highlights from Parkinson Canada\u2019s 2023 Parliament Hill Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

On October 24, 2023, Parkinson Canada staff, board members and lived experience volunteers with Parkinson\u2019s gathered on Parliament Hill to advocate for Canadians living with Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s event marked a return to Parliament Hill, where Parkinson Canada representatives held talks with members of Parliament, senators and government officials. We highlighted the importance of meaningful and accessible financial supports for people living with Parkinson\u2019s, the need to make Canada a leader in access to the best medicines and discussed focused support to increase the number of specialists, specifically Movement Disorder Specialists, to provide well-rounded Parkinson\u2019s informed care.<\/p>\n

While Parkinson Canada undertakes advocacy and government relations activities consistently throughout the year, annual lobby provide the opportunity to meet directly with decision-makers about the impact Parkinson\u2019s disease has on Canadians and ways to support this community through better resources, supports and care. In advance of our presence on Parliament Hill and to help broaden awareness of our key priorities, Parkinson Canada published an op-ed written by Robert \u201cBob\u201d Klager, a member of our board. You can read Bob’s op-ed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Altogether, Parkinson Canada met with nine parliamentarians and six government officials. An evening reception, sponsored by Member of Parliament Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament Adam van Koeverden and Senator Stephen Greene, brought out 24 parliamentarians and their staff. Speeches were given by the event sponsors and the Minister of Health, Mark Holland, as well as Liz Loewen, a member of Parkinson Canada Parkinson Advisory Council. You can read Liz\u2019s remarks here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s still more work to be done, we\u2019re encouraged by the strong engagement and support we received from everyone we met and look forward to continuing our advocacy efforts to ensure every Canadian affected by Parkinson\u2019s can thrive.<\/p>\n

Statements in the House<\/h3>\n

MP Lloyd Longfield, Guelph ON <\/strong><\/p>\n

Mr. Speaker, every day in Canada, 30 individuals are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson Canada has identified key priorities for the Parkinson’s community to consider improving overall health and quality of life for those living with this degenerative brain disease.<\/p>\n

By identifying gaps and improving training and knowledge transfer with qualified healthcare professionals, we can allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Examining the systemic issues and barriers in our healthcare system will determine the steps we can take to increase the number of healthcare practitioners available to support the people who are living with this disease. By advancing equitable access to care and improved treatments, we will ensure a better quality of life for all Canadians living with Parkinson’s.<\/p>\n

Today, I am joining our member from\u00a0Milton<\/a>\u00a0and Senator Stephen Greene to host Parkinson Canada on the Hill to hear the voices of those working to help those diagnosed with Parkinson’s and improve outcomes, in Wellington room 310, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

MP Ben Carr <\/strong>Winnipeg South Centre, MB<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to a cause close to my heart: the challenges faced by Canadians affected by Parkinson’s disease.<\/p>\n

A few weeks ago, we lost my Uncle Robert, my dad’s brother, after a 20-year-long courageous battle with this awful disease. I saw first-hand the toll it took on both him and our family.<\/p>\n

Canada has one of the highest rates of Parkinson’s in the world. Every day, 30 more individuals receive the devastating diagnosis, and within a decade, that number is expected to become 50.<\/p>\n

Parkinson’s is relentless, and with no known cure or disease-modifying therapies, proper support and services are critical. By ensuring that tax credits and benefits are available, by making Canada a leader in access to the best medicines and by ensuring that there are appropriate specialists to provide well-rounded Parkinson’s-informed care, we can improve the lives of those who are impacted.<\/p>\n

This is not just a matter of health care; it is a matter of compassion.<\/p>\n

I thank all of those who continue to advocate for this important cause.<\/p>\n

Meetings<\/h3>\n

Members of Parliament<\/strong><\/p>\n