Mr. Speaker, dozens of tuberculosis advocates and survivors are here in Ottawa today. They have come from across Canada and around the world to raise awareness among parliamentarians about this ancient infectious disease, which remains the deadliest in the world. Their tireless efforts have pushed governments worldwide to act on TB. Despite their successes, TB still claims the lives of over 1.2 million people each year. Here in Canada, TB disproportionately affects indigenous communities, as we have seen with recent outbreaks in Nunavut.
Canada has been a global leader in our fight to end TB. Our investments in the global fund have helped to save countless lives, and Canadian researchers have helped transform the way we can detect and treat TB.
As the United States pulls back from our world, Canada’s continued leadership is critically needed to end this deadly disease. Join me in thanking the advocates here today who are working tirelessly to achieve this world.