Mr. Speaker, an estimated 50,000 Canadians have multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is making a difference for individuals and their families living with this disease.
Tomorrow, May 8, is the official start of the 2002 Multiple Sclerosis Carnation Campaign, and I am honoured once again to participate. A team of Ottawa MS chapter volunteers will join me just outside the Chamber tomorrow to help kick-start the campaign and present carnations to all members of the House.
Since 1976 the MS carnation campaign has raised over $30 million to help support MS research and provide services for people with MS and their families. On Mother's Day weekend thousands of volunteers in over 280 communities across Canada will be selling carnations to help find a cure for MS.
I encourage all members of the House to join me in supporting this wonderful campaign, and I ask all Canadians to wear a carnation tomorrow, buy carnations in their communities and support MS research. Together we will find a cure.