Mr. Speaker, today I rise to draw attention to an inspiring organization named AboutFace. AboutFace is Canada's only national charity that reaches out to an estimated 1.5 million Canadians who live with facial differences.
On September 15, I was fortunate to attend an AboutFace fundraising event to learn about an array of programs and services that empower and engage affected youth, young adults, and their parents.
In addition to providing emotional support and educational programs, AboutFace launched the Access to Care program, a national initiative that helps individuals find the support they need and provides financial assistance especially for dental services.
AboutFace is also leading the embracing differences initiative, which teaches high school students to detect and stop bullying.
Given that the second highest birth defect rate in Canada is that of facial differences, accounting for 10,000 newborns a year, I call upon all of my colleagues to join me in applauding the leadership, advocacy, and compassion of the AboutFace organization.