Mr. Speaker, today we are celebrating World Asthma Day, the theme of which is that asthma can be understood and controlled.
Asthma is on the increase in Canada. Every year, it claims over 500 victims. This is 10 deaths a week.
Today is an opportunity to become familiar with the facts of this disease. Asthma is one of the major causes of hospitalization in Canada. Yet, if Canadians had a greater awareness of this disease, emergency room visits could be reduced by 50% and hospital stays by 80%.
As one of the most common diseases in Canada, asthma carries a high price tag. It lowers productivity but, worse, it diminishes the quality of life of asthma sufferers and their families.
I urge hon. members and all Canadians to find out more about this disease. It concerns every one of us.