Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, May 30, I will once again be riding my Triumph Bonneville in Winnipeg's Ride for Dad to help raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research. This year's ride is especially meaningful to me because I will be riding in memory of my dear friend Paul Stewart, a long-time participant and organizer of Ride for Dad who passed away from prostate cancer nearly one year ago. Paul dedicated countless hours to this cause and inspired many in our community to join the fight against prostate cancer.
More than 5,300 Canadian men die from this disease every year, accounting for approximately 15% of cancer deaths among men in Canada. Behind these numbers are fathers, brothers, friends and loved ones whose lives are cut far too short. Thanks to advances in research, screening and treatment, more lives are being saved, but there is still more work to do. Every dollar raised through Ride for Dad helps support life-saving research, increase awareness and promote early detection.
I encourage all Canadians to support a rider in their community and to help us continue to fight against prostate cancer. Together, we can save lives and and make prostrate cancer history.