moved for leave to introduce Bill C-249, An Act to amend the Public Health Agency of Canada Act (National Alzheimer Office).
Mr. Speaker, this is seconded by the member for Vancouver Kingsway, and I thank him for this work.
This bill is to create a national Alzheimer office. It is very important for the Public Health Agency of Canada to have this office to produce information and develop a national plan with regard to Alzheimer's.
We need these changes because the abilities and behaviour of individuals are affected by this terrible disease and we do not have much of a response right now in a federal context. The disease ultimately erodes independence. What is more important is that we have an aging population, with roughly 70,000 persons now living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. It is very significant for our country.
The bill, if enacted, would be a positive first step in ensuring the Government of Canada is prepared to take immediate action and recognize the importance of developing an Alzheimer's and dementia strategy before this situation becomes a national crisis.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)