Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to inform the House of the launching of a nation-wide osteoporosis menopause education project by the Osteoporosis Society of Canada. The project is organized through a partnership with the private and voluntary sectors and is directed primarily at Canadian women 35 to 55 years of age.
Census data for 1991 show that nearly seven million Canadian women are over 50 years of age. It is estimated that about 25 per cent of post-menopausal women are at risk for osteoporosis fractures. Costs to the health care system in treating these injuries are considerable.
The objective of this initiative is to promote prevention and treatment strategies which will result in a better quality of life for women. It has been designed so as to encourage local grassroots activities. Planned activities will include forums throughout the country on menopause and osteoporosis.