Elizabeth May release the following statement ahead of Lyme Awareness Day, part of Lyme Disease Awareness Month:
“Thanks to the tireless advocacy of researchers, doctors, patients, awareness of Lyme Disease has spread in recent years. However, thousands of Canadians continue to suffer from this debilitating disease, while other advanced countries move ahead with progressive and publicly funded treatments.
“From May 15 to 17, 2016, Canada held a conference to develop a federal framework on Lyme disease. This conference was mandated by Bill 442, the Federal Framework on Lyme Disease Act, a result of my private member’s bill.
“Last month, Lyme Disease researchers, doctors and patients called on Minister of Health Jane Philpott to update the Draft Federal Framework on Lyme Disease with the latest medical and patient best practices before it reports back to parliament. Advocates say the current draft framework is incomplete and does not include the latest Lyme Disease medical research.
“I remain very grateful for all-party support for Bill C-442. This issue remains non-partisan. I have confidence in Dr. Jane Philpott to hear the concerns of those who remain concerned in the Lyme-literate medical and patient community, and to re-write the draft framework before the publication of the approved framework.”