Thank you very much.
I'm going to begin with some observations, if you don't mind. When you sit and listen to a number of other members speak, things start up in your mind and you might want to mention some of them.
I was very pleased, by the way, to hear you say that the departments within government are actually speaking to each other. I think that's a bonus right there, that intergovernmental conversations are taking place. I think it's wonderful.
I'm also very pleased, and I'm sure you must be very well aware of this, that for the first time in Canadian history this government has put a minister in place strictly for seniors. That's the Honourable Marjory LeBreton. I'm sure she would be delighted with all of the comments that have come out here. This is wonderful information.
I share the concern that my colleague Mr. Perron expressed earlier with regard to the number of doctors. We've had this conversation come up a few times, both personally and at committee. Speaking from personal experience I can tell you without hesitation that it takes a minimum of ten years to produce a doctor. I speak from experience, because I happen to be the parent of a doctor. If they specialize, it will take even longer.
So we have a little catch-up to happen here before we actually have enough physicians for our own country. But it is a worldwide problem. I was pleased to hear you say that as well. I didn't want to think that was my own opinion, that we have this problem worldwide.
In terms of aging, I have to tell you, you shocked me with the content of what you said. I'll go back to page 6, where it says that a large majority of seniors--85% of those aged 65 to 79--have at least one chronic disease or condition such as asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, high blood pressure, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, schizophrenia, mood or anxiety disorder, and obesity.
On page 9 you said that health promotion efforts are important to disease prevention and that up to 70% of cancers, 90% of type 2 diabetes cases, and 50% to 70% of strokes are preventable.
First you scared me on page 6, and then you gave me hope on page 9.
I'm going to give you an opportunity to elaborate. There could very well be many seniors listening to this broadcast. So could you tell us, in short form, what you think can actually happen to prevent these diseases? If you can prevent 70% of the cancers, 90% of type 2 diabetes, and 50% to 70% of the strokes, I think that's worth talking about.