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HESA Committee News Release

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Standing Committee on Health
House of Commons / Chambre des communes
Comité permanent de la santé

For immediate release


NEWS RELEASE


House of Commons Standing Committee on Health Calls on the Government of Canada to Establish a National Diabetes Strategy

Ottawa, April 10, 2019 -

Bill Casey, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, presented the Committee’s 23rd report today entitled, A Diabetes Strategy for Canada.

The Committee’s study started last spring and concluded this winter. It focused on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

In presenting the report in the House, Mr. Casey said, “I want to thank my colleague Sonia Sidhu for bringing this study forward and for her tireless advocacy on this subject over the years. The committee heard from a wide variety of witnesses over the course of our study, and their valuable input was integral in making this report happen.”

The importance of this topic to Canadians is reflected by the fact that more than thirty witnesses took the time to appear before the Committee. The Committee also received many briefs on this subject.

Sadly, witnesses told the Committee about the high rates of diabetes in Canada (including higher rates for Indigenous peoples, seniors, and people from South Asian, East Asian and African ethnic backgrounds), the lack of access to services to identify and manage diabetes and the lack of coverage in some cases for diabetes-related medications and supplies. The Committee also heard that education and awareness efforts relating to diabetes need to be improved.

Diabetes Canada shared its vision for a diabetes strategy for Canada, and many witnesses supported this idea.

Having listened to several groups and individuals, some of whom shared their personal experiences with the challenges of living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the Committee has made 11 recommendations that would improve the lives of Canadians living with diabetes and support their families. These recommendations should also save the Canadian health care system money.

The key recommendation is that the Government of Canada partner with the provinces, territories, and stakeholders to establish a national diabetes strategy. The strategy would focus on prevention and management. Part of this main recommendation is that the strategy should facilitate establishing Indigenous-specific strategies by Indigenous groups who choose to do so.

We encourage all Canadians to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and to support friends and family who live with diabetes.

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For more information, please contact:
Alexandre Jacques, Clerk of the Standing Committee on Health
Tel: 613-995-4108
E-mail: HESA@parl.gc.ca