Mr. Speaker, November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
Nearly 1.5 million Canadians have diabetes which is a major cause of premature death and other significant health problems. The chances of having diabetes increase with age. It affects more than 11% of Canadians between 65 and 74.
Diabetes rates for aboriginals are three times that of the general population. That is why in the Speech from the Throne this government identified the need to develop new initiatives to address the rapid increase of diabetes in aboriginal communities.
Health Canada plays an important role in the fight against diabetes by supporting research through the Medical Research Council, by facilitating the operation of the multisectoral Diabetes Council of Canada and by working with First Nations communities to develop effective diabetes programming.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing the Canadian Diabetes Association and its many volunteers a very successful Diabetes Awareness Month.