Mr. Speaker, today is World Health Day and the theme this year is “Our planet, our health”.
Since the environment is one of the primary determinants of health and, unfortunately, of disease, it is more important than ever to rethink the world and our society so our children and grandchildren will have the opportunity to grow up in a healthy environment with the best possible living conditions. Talking will not get us there, only action will.
The government must decide, once and for all, to be consistent, take action, and assume its responsibilities by protecting the environment and funding health care.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those in the health sector who are doing all the heavy lifting and who can no longer wait for ongoing, significant and unconditional funding.
Health is a collective responsibility. We must decide to make it a priority.