Mr. Speaker, more and more Canadians are living with a disability as a result of heart disease or stroke. For each death attributable to a stroke, three victims require prolonged hospitalization as a result of neurological damage. Heart failure is also becoming an increasing problem, putting strain on our limited health care resources. These statistics point to the importance of having a low fat diet, exercising and limiting stress.
The Government of Canada needs to work with NGOs and professional associations to focus on prevention, such as the Hearth and Stroke Foundation's heart smart program for kids. It should focus on developing a national cardiovascular surveillance program, supporting research by the CIHR and putting resources back into the trenches on the sharp edge of patient care.
Cardiovascular disease is a killer. Let's have a heart to save a heart.