Mr. Speaker, this year more than 18,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This terrible disease also afflicts Canadian men. Over 5,000 Canadians will die from it this year alone.
That is why I was pleased to take part in Peterborough's first Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation-CIBC Run for the Cure. This event, organized by CIBC employees and their families but involving many others, is designed to raise money for and awareness of breast cancer research.
I am delighted that all across Canada Runs for the Cure are helping build support for those affected by this disease. I am particularly pleased that these events are focusing attention on effective means of prevention and the need for a cure.
I thank all CIBC employees who helped to organize the event in Peterborough and everyone who took part. I hope this is the first of many such runs in our community.