Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is World Cancer Day.
Last year over 170,000 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer. Last year I tabled a private member's bill to combat one of the most common types of cancer, and that is skin cancer. My bill calls for stronger labelling of tanning beds, drawing a link between tanning and skin cancer and warning our youth to avoid tanning machines.
The World Health Organization says that regular tanning results in a 75% increased risk of skin cancer if tanning begins before the age of 30.
My bill has received support from the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Dermatology Association and the Canadian Cancer Society, among others.
I applaud Canadian jurisdictions like New Brunswick and Victoria, B.C., for taking strong action to ban youth under 18 from using tanning beds.
As we recognize World Cancer Day tomorrow, we need to remember our friends and family who have battled against all forms of cancer.
I encourage all members to support my bill and to continue to advocate for cancer awareness and education to achieve a healthier future for all Canadians.