Mr. Speaker, today as we observe World Polio Day, Canadians should take pride that Canada has been and remains a staunch ally in the global effort to eradicate polio. In 1988, when the year of the global polio eradication initiative was launched, polio was paralyzing 350,000 children, in 125 countries, every year. Canada was at the forefront of polio eradication efforts, being the first country to donate to this global initiative. We are 99% of the way there and the finish line is in sight.
Last year, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada's support at the Global Vaccine Summit by pledging $250 million over six years. Canada's deep commitment to eradicating polio means that literally hundreds of thousands of children have been immunized, often in remote, impoverished, and very insecure regions of the world.
Nobody should have to suffer from a disease for which a simple cure exists. Canada will continue to support efforts that will finally put an end to polio.