Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to bring to the attention of all Canadians that November 1 to 7 is Pharmacy Awareness Week.
Each year there are 12,500 deaths, two million lost work days, and $150 million in lost earnings in Canada because people do not take their medications properly.
The purpose of Pharmacy Awareness Week is to recognize the important role pharmacists play in health care, particularly in the use of medication. It also serves to encourage a dialogue between pharmacists and their patients on the proper and safe consumption of prescription drugs. Pharmacy Awareness Week is an opportunity for patients and pharmacists to reduce the risk involved with unsafe medication consumption.
I recognize the efforts of pharmacists in the field of health and I encourage them to continue their efforts to ensure that medications and their proper use continue to improve the good health of all Canadians.