Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to remind members of the House that May was Multiple Sclerosis Carnation Month.
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. An estimated 50,000 Canadians suffer from this disease, one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. There is presently no known cure.
Research into finding a cure and better treatments for patients with MS is ongoing. Health Canada has contributed research dollars to help improve the lives of MS sufferers. However, there is still much work to be done.
During the month of May, volunteers from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada were out in our communities selling fresh carnations to raise money for research and support services for those affected by MS. As in previous years, the Multiple Sclerosis Society hopes to raise $2 million throughout the carnation campaign.
Of course the success of this campaign depends greatly on the involvement of volunteers. To recognize their contribution this year's campaign slogan was "volunteers can work wonders". I salute the many Canadians who contributed their time.