Mr. Speaker, November is International Diabetes Month. Throughout history, diabetes has been a leading cause of death. It is estimated that at least 500,000 North Americans die as a result of diabetes and its complications each year.
In Canada more than two million people have diabetes. In addition to the health and social implications of diabetes, there is also the enormous economic strain the disease places on our health care system. The economic burden of diabetes has been put at over $9 billion per year.
It is essential that we, in the House of Commons, address the growing impact of diabetes on Canadians and consider giving diabetes research a much needed shot in the arm.