Mr. Speaker, this past Tuesday, April 24, the Canadian Pain Society and the Canadian Pain Coalition hosted the first ever Canadian pain summit in Ottawa, where more than 200 delegates, including consumers, caregivers, health professionals, scientists and educators came together to discuss the national pain strategy for Canada.
Initially developed by the Canadian Pain Society in 2010, the national pain strategy for Canada would ensure that health professionals are better trained in pain management, are aware of the existence of evidence-based treatment and see to it that all Canadians have equal access to the care they need.
The need for a national pain strategy is urgent, as one in five Canadians lives with chronic pain every day, and pain accounts for up to 78% of emergency room visits.
It is time for the federal government to show leadership and implement a national pain strategy to address the gaps that exist in pain management and to minimize its burden on Canadians living with pain, on their families and on society.