Mr. Speaker, October 25 marks the first anniversary of our election victory. At that time we said that women's health issues would receive proper attention.
The proclamation of October as Breast Health Awareness Month will raise awareness of one important health issue for women. Each year more than 16,000 Canadian women develop breast cancer. It is the most common type of cancer in women and their leading cause of cancer death.
New initiatives on breast cancer have been implemented by the federal government in four main areas: funding for breast cancer research, support of prevention and screening activities, treatment and care, and support, advocacy and networking of women with breast cancer.
Breast Health Information Day was successfully held in my riding of London West.
Events have been organized for this month across the country to help Canadian women and their families become better informed about the issue. I urge Canadians to attend and support these activities wherever they may be in Canada.