Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and I thank the members of the committee.
I must say that I was delighted and surprised, even shocked, at how quickly after passing second reading the bill was able to come before this committee, so I really appreciate the committee giving its time to this bill so quickly.
I'm also delighted to be here with three witnesses who know much more about this topic than I do. I expect they may get many more questions than I will, but I'll do my best, obviously.
It is a pleasure to be here. It's strange to be on this side of the table as a witness rather than among my colleagues. I am very grateful for the support that you, Madam Chair, and your colleagues, as well as all members of the House, have shown for Bill C-278. I think it's a great example of how members of Parliament from all parties can come together, put our partisan interests aside, and push for a bill that has an impact on a policeman in Ottawa, a dad in Edmonton, or a little girl in my riding.
In 2008 nine-year-old Cassidy Megan founded Purple Day for epilepsy and started a global trend. I understand that she's actually listening today by radio, so hello, Cassidy.
Purple Day is now recognized in 47 countries; Canada has really been a leader in epilepsy awareness. I'm pleased to hear, and I'm sure you also will be, that other legislatures such as the State of New Hampshire and others around the world are following this with Purple Days of their own. I understand that Purple Day is celebrated in more than 60 countries, and I'm sure we'll hear more about that later.
I think we owe a great debt to Cassidy. I wouldn't be here today without her vision and dedication. In fact, for me it's just a coincidence that she happens to be in my riding. That's really the only reason I'm associated with this initiative. I'm very happy to be associated with it, but obviously it is she who deserves the credit. Bill C-278 is a direct result of her commitment to this cause and of her imagination, as a nine-year-old, to think, “Why shouldn't I start something like this?” Now look at it: it's in over 60 countries in the world. Isn't that remarkable? What a great and inspiring story that is.
This bill is a pretty simple act, as you know. Bill C-278, I think, will help increase public awareness about epilepsy.
The bill will officially designate March 26 as Purple Day in Canada and will ask Canadians to wear purple clothing. Purple Day is not a legal holiday, but it touches a lot of lives.
Epilepsy affects 300,000 Canadians and more than 50 million people worldwide. That's more than the number of people living with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease combined. A better understanding of this condition would allow people to be more aware of what to do to help someone having a seizure, which will help people suffering from this illness and ensure that they are safer.
Before I go on,
…I would like to thank the members who noted that changes needed to be made to the document. For example, in French using lavande instead of pourpre, and condition instead of maladie. I want to express my appreciation and say that I support those changes.
This is important for a young dad who wrote recently about his son, who began having seizures at the age of five months. His words were profound and powerful: “As a parent, a professional, and a Canadian, I ask you to please pass Bill C-278 and make the world our son will grow up in a little more friendly and understanding of the condition that affects him, and us, in every moment”.
I also heard from Marcel Allen, an Ottawa policeman who is in the last stages of developing a training program for front-line officers on how to respond to someone with a seizure disorder. This is something you'd understand, Madam Chair, as you were telling me earlier, from your experience as a teacher and having a student with epilepsy who often had three grand mal seizures a day.
Mr. Allen has created a lesson plan focusing on training, recognition, and response. It will be the most comprehensive training of law enforcement on this subject in North America.
Let me wrap up by thanking Cassidy; the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia, which has been so helpful; the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance; and the many other organizations that work hard to promote Purple Day and increase awareness about epilepsy.
I'd also like to thank Dr. Fry, who brought a number of amendments to committee. I thank her for these improvements to my bill. Bill C-278 will bring Cassidy's dream to fruition. We hope we can count on the support of all parliamentarians in the House, as we certainly have so far, as well as the Senate, to make this happen.
I want to mention that I distributed cards from the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance to everybody. You'll find them in front of you. I think you'll find them helpful in terms of what to do when someone is having a seizure.
I'll be happy to answer, or try to answer, any questions. Thank you.