Elizabeth May statement for Lyme Disease Awareness Month

OTTAWA – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, issued the following statement for Lyme Disease Awareness Month:

“The month of May is a time to remember the thousands of Canadians who are affected by Lyme disease and what we can do to help them. I first began to understand the threat of Lyme disease from a friend in 2007 – since then, I have heard equally tragic stories from countless other affected Canadians who were unable to access necessary treatment because of how poorly we understand the disease.

“Fortunately, awareness continues to increase as federal and provincial governments begin to enact prevention strategies. I am deeply thankful that parliamentarians from all parties unanimously supported my Private Member’s Bill C-442, the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act – the bill became law on December 16, 2014.

“There is so much more to do to ensure Canada has an adequate response and prevention strategy for Lyme Disease. My bill, which is now law, requires a national conference between the federal and provincial governments, as well as stakeholders and experts, to take place before December 14, 2015. I look forward to Health Minister Rona Ambrose scheduling this conference.

“While my bill will not solve everything, I am confident it will help Canadian families avoid further tragedies. Today, on the first day of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, let us work together to ensure no more Canadians have to suffer from the long-term consequences of Lyme Disease.”

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