Mr. Speaker, I rise in my capacity as a private member on this occasion. I do so to very strongly support my hon. colleague who has so eloquently spoken about the difficulties and challenges faced by so many people in our society as a result of various environmental illnesses. These include multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
The hon. member speaks with great knowledge. From a personal standpoint he has had his own challenges in this regard but he has also studied this subject matter well.
I would hope that some way could be found for the House to support this motion. I know there is a procedure involved. I understand only the Reform Party members have indicated some opposition to it. I do not know why they would.
This motion should get the support of all members of the House. It is not a matter that is going to involve, as some might suggest, an additional expenditure of money outside of moneys already allocated for such purposes. I should think that all members would want to support this motion.
An increasing number of Canadians are being afflicted. I also have personal knowledge of that. Two people are here from the Environmental Illness Society of Canada, Judith Spence and Maggie Maier. I know there are other people as well who deal with these matters on a day to day basis. They deal with the many challenges that are involved in chemical sensitivities, allergies respecting food and inhalants such as mould. Many people suffer from mould difficulties in different buildings in this city and other cities right across the country.
An increasing number of people are affected by the results of what we as a society are doing to our environment. This matter requires some serious attention.
I have talked with my colleague the Minister of Health on this matter. He is quite sensitive to this need to move forward to establish some ways that this government together with our colleagues in the provinces will be able to treat people who are in these circumstances.
Much conventional medicine, much of what is allowed now under medical plans does not recognize many of the problems and symptoms that people with environmental illness are encountering. It is time we got that kind of recognition for environmental illness and these various components of it that are noted in the motion by the hon. member for Ottawa Centre.
I would hope that all members of the House, including those in the Reform Party, would have another look at this matter. I hope that we can come to the conclusion of this with a votable motion on something which I think is very important for all Canadians.