Mr. Speaker, March is National Epilepsy Month. Epilepsy is a functional disorder of the brain that temporarily blocks awareness. It is characterized by seizures, uncontrollable shaking, convulsions and confusion.
More than 280,000 Canadians, primarily youth, suffer from this condition. In approximately 75 per cent of the cases there is no known cause. New medications have been developed to control seizures but drugs are not the cure and often can have severe side effects. In addition, 40 per cent of seizures are not successfully controlled by current medication.
Epilepsy Canada is a voluntary organization dedicated to helping people with epilepsy and their families to overcome problems associated with this disorder.
I ask all members of the House to join me in applauding Epilepsy Canada and the work of its many volunteers. I also urge members to work to promote medical research so that we can find a lasting cure.