Mr. Speaker, “one day at a time” is a life-saving mantra for millions, including the families of children living with a life-threatening illness. Our commitment to introducing the first rare disease strategy and national pharmacare will enable all Canadians to access vital medication.
As cancer remains the main cause of death by disease for Canadian children, our commitment of $30 million to childhood cancer research has been endorsed by children's hospitals, cancer organizations and over 150 families experiencing this devastating diagnosis. Today I would like to add my family's name to the list in honour of our own young warrior, Maia Zann-Roland, who is battling osteosarcoma with grit, grace and “giv'er”.
Budget 2021 is the first opportunity our government has to keep our commitment to sick kids. There is no time to waste. Just ask Maia. When one is 17 and living with cancer, every day is a gift.