Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to highlight National Blood Donor Week, which runs until June 17. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this special week.
It cannot be overemphasized how blood donation is a vital gesture and how important it is to educate citizens about this issue. To meet the needs of patients this summer, Canadian Blood Services needs 44,000 donors by Canada Day.
I would like to congratulate the 406,000 people who have donated blood over the past year. Half of all Canadians will one day need blood themselves or know someone who will.
I would therefore like to thank all past, present, and future donors. They have saved, and will continue to save, thousands of lives. I urge all Canadians and all members here today to donate blood if they can.