Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Rare Disease Day.
The theme of this year's Rare Disease Day is “Share Your Colours”. I offer this limerick in honour of this special day:
Millions in Canada, two-thirds of them youth
Battle rare disease daily, a sad, sombre truth
These diseases touch families and count several thousand
From MS through Alport and von Recklinghausen
They are tough on their children but also their parents
For those stricken with grief, I understand as I share it
My three oldest children battle ills of this kind
And the youngest I lost is always on my mind
We here in this chamber have a big role we share
Supporting access to treatments and affordable care
So whether team blue, red, green, orange or grey
Please join me in celebrating this Rare Disease Day