Mr. Speaker, today the World Stroke Congress announced October 26 as World Stroke Day. This day will serve to increase Canadians' awareness of the things they can do to reduce their risk of having a stroke. This includes maintaining a healthy blood pressure, avoiding tobacco use, eating a healthy balanced diet and being physically active.
Every year stroke kills over 15,000 Canadians, representing the third leading cause of death in Canada. Stroke knows no boundaries. It affects Canadians of all ages, ethnicity, as well as both men and women. To prevent stroke we need to increase public awareness of both its causes and symptoms.
Although World Stroke Day occurs only once a year, the fight against stroke must be fought every day all year long. It is encouraging that there is now a number of individuals and organizations that are working together on developing a Canadian stroke strategy and we wish them all the best in their vital work.