Government investing $10 million to help Canadians prevent,
detect and manage their respiratory diseases - April 23, 2009

Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC): Mr. Speaker, lung disease affects millions of Canadians. In fact, respiratory diseases including lung cancer are the third leading cause of death. These diseases including asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome affect Canadians of all ages, all cultures and all backgrounds.

Prevention, detection and management of respiratory diseases is important and several factors that contribute to these illnesses such as tobacco and air quality are preventable.

I ask the Minister of Health what the Conservative government is doing to promote lung health in Canada?

Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health, CPC): Mr. Speaker, up to six million Canadians are coping with some form of lung disease.

During the last election campaign our Prime Minister promised action to tackle major diseases. That is why today I was pleased to announce that we are investing $10 million on initiatives that will help Canadians prevent, detect and manage their respiratory diseases.

By improving what we know about their respiratory health we can help Canadians lower their risks of developing lung disease and better manage their health.

This is great news for all Canadians.