Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Fort McMurray and I am sure that my colleagues all feel the same way. I hope we will give generously to the Red Cross, which is the lead organization to help with the recovery.
Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world. This unpredictable, and often disabling, disease of the central nervous system impacts 133 out of every 100,000 Canadians.
Sadly, my good friend Ted Marianix died from this disease this past year.
Today, in honour of MS awareness month, I am wearing a carnation for Ted and to show solidarity with the MS community in the fight against MS.
I certainly hope that we will continue to make significant efforts to support research and to help those impacted by MS. There is still a lot to be done.
I will continue to support efforts to help improve the lives of people living with this disease and to help their families and caregivers.
I would ask everyone today to please rise with me to join in the fight to end MS in our lifetime.