Mr. Speaker, International Women's Week gives us an opportunity to honour all those who work to promote equality for Canadian women. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that were met in the past, and to face current ones, such as women's health.
Breast cancer claims the lives of 5,000 Canadian women each year. Thousands more are diagnosed with the sickness and have to endure countless hours of radiation therapy if they are to survive. Let us not forget the economic and emotional toll on their families.
I wish to salute the Hellenic Friends of the Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal who through donations and activities, such as their annual tea which I had the pleasure of attending, are doing their part to ease the suffering of cancer victims. Through their efforts a patient immobilization system was purchased for the hospital to help cancer patients with their radiation treatment, and particularly women with breast cancer.
During International Women's Week, let us show our support to this cause by wearing a pink ribbon.