Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my support to a very worthwhile cause, leukemia research in Canada. Leukemia is a cancer of blood cells. If affects children and adults from all backgrounds and of all ages. Canadian research centres across the country have made progress extending the life expectancy of those diagnosed with leukemia. The cure rate for children is 65%. This will only continue with more support from Canadians.
The Leukemia Research Fund of Canada, a national volunteer organization, raises money to provide grants to Canadian researchers and to educate the public about the disease. For the past 42 years, thousands of volunteers have donated many hours of their time throughout the year.
This year the Governor General, His Excellency Romeo LeBlanc, has given his support to this worthwhile cause. I am asking for the support of this House for the designation of the month of June as Leukemia Research Month. I want to thank the many volunteers for their time and encourage others to join the fight against this disease. I thank them on behalf of my mother, a survivor of leukemia.