Finance Committee on Feb. 6th, 2020

[Dave Prowten]

What's interesting is that you can file your own taxes and you don't have to validate your taxes, but in this case you have to get somebody to validate that you have type 1 diabetes in order to complete your application. In many ways, you could simplify the application process. Because there's no compensation for your GP, endocrinologist or nurse practitioner, it creates a hurdle. I guess that if we would allow self-application, that would be another part of the solution.

[Marty Morantz, Conservative, Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB]

Yes.

Just quickly, on this statistic of the 40% of Canadians who are eligible and are not applying, is that similar when it comes to type 1 diabetes, or is the percentage higher in the general population?

[Dave Prowten]

You know what? That's a good question. I'm not 100% sure because I think it would vary by different condition. I'm sorry. I just don't know how it breaks down within the CRA application.

[Marty Morantz, Conservative, Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB]

Fair enough. Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Wayne Easter]

With the last block, we have Mr. Fragiskatos.

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London North Centre, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to all witnesses, of course.

With such limited time I'm going to direct my questions to the JDRF, Mr. Prowten and Ms. Sullivan. You've put it very well today in terms of the importance of your cause and what you're advocating for, what you're fighting for.

We see—this came up earlier today—that the minister who is primarily responsible for research, in his mandate letter, calls for research to be the key in creating the circumstances to build a healthy society. How critical has research been towards finding ways forward on type 1 diabetes?

Mr. Prowten, you came up to me early on today and told me about something that's in clinical trials right now, which I think we'd love to hear about.

[Dave Prowten]

Thank you for that opportunity.

I would say that Canada has hit significantly above its weight in diabetes. We've discovered insulin and stem cells. We've developed what is called the Edmonton protocol. A group of researchers transplanted islet cells and gave people a new source of insulin, but now stem cells are on the horizon. This is a device that is implanted below the skin and gets filled with stem cells. It would be inserted, say, below your arm or your belly. The goal is that the cells inside would turn into insulin-producing cells, giving people a new source of insulin.

With type 1 diabetes you're checking your blood sugar six to ten times a day. If you're on a glucose monitor, it's constant. Think of this as freedom from diabetes, because you could now have a new source of insulin. We've moved from the lab to human clinical trials, which is a massive step. There are Canadians with this device in them right now, and that's why we're asking for more research funding and partnership with CIHR. We are a partner with CIHR. We think that collectively we can do great things, but the opportunity for innovation and for maintaining Canada's global leadership position of the last 99 years in diabetes is right here. We have many great researchers in Canada whom JDRF is funding and CIHR is funding.

Collectively the innovation opportunity is right here, so let's do something on the 100th anniversary of one of the world's greatest medical discoveries.

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London North Centre, ON]

I'll also take the opportunity, Mr. Chair, to put on the record that Frederick Banting was from London, so I support you in that as well.

[Dave Prowten]

There you go.

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London North Centre, ON]

For my last question, Ms. Sullivan, I know the answer is obvious but I think it is important for you as the mother of one who is impacted by type 1 diabetes. How critical are research and government support for research, for people in your position, for your family?

[Angie Sullivan]

Personally speaking I can say it only one way: My son's life depends on it. There are many Canadians fighting this, and when you throw in other environmental and social complications that make it more difficult for these individuals to survive, the risks are very significant for them. Support in funding through the DTC and all the other things, through the JDRF and the research, would alleviate and allow them to muddle their way through the other stresses in life.

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London North Centre, ON]

For my last quick point, to Mr. Prowten, is it fair to say that CIHR has been instrumental for JDRF?

[Dave Prowten]

We have a very strong partnership with CIHR. We are co-funding research right now, a lot of research with them, and we see more opportunities to do more together. I view them as a tremendous partner.

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London North Centre, ON]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Wayne Easter]

With that, we are at the hour to adjourn.

I want to thank all the witnesses, both those on video conference and those here, for their presentations. We had an excellent discussion.

With that, we will adjourn, and we will see everybody at 3:30 and do it all over again.

The meeting is adjourned.