Mr. Speaker, my grandparents had diabetes, my mom has diabetes and so do nearly four million Canadians. That is one in 10 of us. It may be our family, our friends or our neighbours. Insulin and other diabetes medications are expensive, and if one does not have private insurance, that is a huge monthly expense. However, all that is going to change because our government is making diabetes medication free for everyone.
I am lucky enough to represent many citizens, including several members of my own family, for whom sugar in tea is not only an integral part of everyday life, but also truly part of a very rich culture.
However, we have to face the truth. Diabetes affects nearly one million Quebeckers and four million Canadians. The medication that helps diabetic patients can be very expensive. Our government has just passed legislation to make diabetes medications free. Yes, these drugs will be free for everyone.