Epilepsy Archives | Elizabeth May

Purple Day Act (Bill C-278)

Craig Cantin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:45:42 +0000

Elizabeth May: Mr. Speaker, it is really a tribute to a grassroots effort that has gone global that we are here today unanimously supporting a bill. It certainly is a pleasure to be united in a non-partisan way. Cassidy Megan deserves a tremendous amount of credit.

One of the ways in our technological age that we check the success of any project is to Google it. The first entry that pops up for Purple Day is the web page of this great organization. People watching at home can check it out and participate in celebrating Purple Day.

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My question for the hon. member for Halifax West is what more can we do once we have passed the bill to ensure that we not only mark Purple Day and increase awareness of epilepsy, but take extra steps to make sure that people who are dealing with epilepsy are fully supported in their efforts to educate others?

Hon. Geoff Regan: Mr. Speaker, I agree with my hon. colleague and former law school classmate on this point. We ought to be looking for opportunities. When people Google the words “Purple Day” and find more information, they will see the list of things to do when a person is having a seizure. This all helps to demystify epilepsy. It helps people understand this is a fairly common condition and to know what to do when this happens. This can make a positive difference in the lives of people who have this condition.

We can keep looking for ways to spread the word about this, not just when the bill passes, but on future occasions and especially on March 26 each year. I hope we can work to overcome the issue of drug shortages which is affecting many epilepsy patients.

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Standing Committee on Health (HESA)

Craig Cantin — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:51:05 +0000

On March 1^st the Health Committee examined Neurological Diseases and the effect on the Canadian population and government expenditure. There are over 1 million Canadians affected by Neurological Diseases totalling $9 billion in burden each year. New research has been funded to address the growing need of diseases which include MS, epilepsy, autism and Alzheimer’s.

For more information please see the following sites:

Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

Canadian Institutes of Health Research: http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/193.html

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Standing Committee on Health (HESA)

Craig Cantin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:52:57 +0000

This week the Health committee examined two bills put forward my Members of Parliament. Bill C-313, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act, examined how non-corrective lenses should be placed under the same regulation as corrective lenses. The issue was that without proper regulation individuals are increasing the risk to their eyes due to improper use, fitting and cleaning. Bill C-278, An Act respecting a day to increase public awareness about epilepsy, was discussed to implement March 26^th as a day to increase awareness about epilepsy. There are many individuals who have been diagnosed with epilepsy but very few make others aware due to stigmatization around issue. Increased awareness would de-stigmatize the incorrect assumptions people have about the condition.

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Bill C-278 – An Act respecting a day to increase public awareness about epilepsy

Craig Cantin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:57:34 +0000

This bill would declare March 26 Purple Day in recognition of epilepsy awareness.

Purple Day was founded in 2008 by Cassidy Megan. At the time she was only nine years old. Her objective was to let other children with epilepsy know that they were not alone.

Purple Day is a grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. Thanks to the leadership and dedication of Cassidy and Epilepsy Nova Scotia, Purple Day is now celebrated in more than 35 countries.

As in previous years, on March 26 people around the globe, including members of this House, wore purple to spread the word about epilepsy, which affects over 50 million people worldwide. That is more than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease combined.

Greater understanding of this disease will help educate people about what to do when someone is having a seizure and will help give epileptics more safety and support.

The bill would enshrine March 26 in law as the date each year when we Canadians wear purple to raise awareness of epilepsy.

Seconded by Elizabeth May November 14, 2011.

Click here for the entire document (21Kb)

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