Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that May has been designated Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological illness that can cause balance problems, impaired speech, extreme fatigue, double vision and paralysis.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada provides significant support for research in this field.
In 2002, the MS society raised over $24 million.
Last year the society directed more than $5 million to its MS research program.
It is also supporting a new clinic for children with MS at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
This month volunteers across Canada will take part in the MS carnation campaign in support of MS research and services.
I invite my hon. colleagues to join me in wishing the best possible success to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, and encouraging all Canadians to take part.