Mr. Speaker, October is National Lupus Awareness Month. In recognition of this, I would like to remind the public and the members of this House of the devastating nature of this disease.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that prompts the body to attack its own muscles, kidneys, joints, skin, brain, lungs or heart. Lupus is a potentially fatal disease for which no good diagnostic test exists.
It is estimated that lupus affects more than 50,000 Canadians, of which 90% are women and 20% are children.
I also want to recognize the courage of people with lupus, who must struggle with this disease, and the help provided by their families and friends as they do so.
Finally, I would like to thank the countless individuals and organizations that work toward improving the quality of life for those affected by lupus.