Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring to the attention of the House and of all Canadians that the month of October is Lupus Awareness Month.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects approximately 50,000 Canadians. Lupus is characterized by a malfunction of the immmune system, which attacks different parts of the body itself, causing inflammation in those tissues.
Lupus develops most frequently in women between the ages of 15 and 45. In this age range, lupus is eight times more common in women than in men.
The cause of lupus is unknown and, as yet, there is no cure. Research is actively seeking to change this.
The mission of Lupus Canada is to help the Lupus community, their families and caregivers by providing them with the latest information, support and education, regardless of income, culture or religion.
I invite all hon. members to congratulate Lupus Canada and to wish it every success with its awareness campaign.