Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked World AIDS Day. Each year, we remember the people who have been lost and we celebrate the strength and resiliency of people living with HIV/AIDS, the people who have supported and cared for them over the past 40 years, and the doctors and researchers who have made significant advances in treatment possible so that ending HIV is now in sight.
Canada has adopted the goal set by UNAIDS of eliminating new HIV cases by 2030, but we are falling far short on the actions necessary to make this a reality. Instead, new cases in this country are skyrocketing; they are up 35% overall in the past year and up 88% in Edmonton.
This year's UNAIDS report tells us what we must do. We must work to destigmatize HIV by decriminalizing non-disclosure. We must also make access to testing and treatment universal and accessible for people at risk by increasing funding to community-based, frontline service organizations that can reach people where they are. Two of those proposals are on the Minister of Health's desk right now. There is still time to meet the 2030 goal if the government listens to HIV organizations across the country and acts now.