Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise once again to table a petition which asks for the implementation of a pan-Canadian strategy for eating disorders. The petitioners indicate that those who suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have the highest rates of mental illnesses. They add that more than one million Canadians suffer, and that their families are negatively affected physically, emotionally, and financially by their struggles.
Given that the holiday season is upon us, this time of year is often more difficult for those who suffer from anorexia and bulimia and their families. They ask the government to work with provinces and territories and those affected, to develop a comprehensive pan-Canadian strategy.