Mr. Speaker, February is heart month in our nation, organized by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The foundation, a federation of 10 independent provincial foundations, raised over $85 million in donations last year to support research and health promotion programs. Approximately 80% of these donations were raised during heart month.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in Canada accounting for 37% of deaths each year. The Heart and Stroke Foundation dedicates itself to funding critical research in the area of heart disease and stroke being the number one funder of such research in Canada.
During heart month I urge all Canadians to get in touch with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The foundation led and supported by 250,000 volunteers plans various activities across the country to educate and build awareness from coast to coast. It makes important efforts to encourage all Canadians to live healthy lives.
I commend the Heart and Stroke Foundation's efforts and ask that all Canadians take time this month and throughout the year to help support its undertakings.