Mr. Speaker, today is World Polio Day. Today, we renew our collective resolve for a world where no child suffers from this paralyzing and deadly disease.
Through efforts of organizations like Rotary International, we have successfully reduced polio cases by 99% since 1979, with three billion children vaccinated.
To guarantee that we meet the objective of completely eradicating polio, Canada has pledged an additional $151 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Let us honour the tireless efforts of the health workers and the 20 million volunteers who have journeyed to the most remote corners of the world, in 200 countries, delivering not just vaccines, but hope. Let the end of polio be not only a goal, but a legacy.