Mr. Speaker, somewhat belatedly, I have the pleasure of informing the House that November is Diabetes Month.
Diabetes is a national public health problem in Canada and in the world. It currently affects over 2.2 million Canadians, contributes to over 5,500 deaths annually and costs Canada's economy some $9 billion annually.
Type 1 diabetes, previously recognized as a disease that affected adults only, now affects children as well.
As Canada's population ages, the number of cases of type 2 diabetes is expected to increase. Unless we change our lifestyle, our eating habits and our physical activity, we run an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In 1999, so that Canadians could benefit more from the expertise available throughout Canada, the Government of Canada invested $115 million over five years to develop a Canadian strategy on diabetes.
I take this opportunity to thank all those who contribute in any way to research into this disease.