Mr. Speaker, I was very disturbed by news reports suggesting that a youth in Edmonton
had been refused a place on a waiting list for a lung transplant apparently because he has Down's Syndrome.
Terry Urquhart, a Special Olympics winner, has led a positive and fruitful life within the parameters of his disability. This child and others like him are not to be denied the right, and it is a right, to the same medical treatment and procedures that any other Canadian is entitled to. I was very pleased to learn the hospital has reversed its decision and I compliment it for that.
I am very alarmed about possible implications of this incident on the lives of the disabled. I call on the decision or policy makers in similar situations to immediately reconsider such ill conceived positions. I call on the health minister and the justice minister to ensure this is done.
Let there be no misunderstanding, let there be no mistake, Canada does not have one set of rules for persons with disabilities and another for those without. All Canadians are equal. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable.