Diabetes Canada is very pleased the federal All-party Diabetes Caucus held its first meeting of 2022 to continue its work and discuss the development of a National Diabetes Framework, which is inspired by Diabetes Canada’s Diabetes 360°.
MP Sidhu introduced, Bill C-237, An Act to Establish a National Framework for Diabetes in Canada, and last June it was passed into law. The engagement process to inform its development, led by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is now firmly underway.
The federal All-party Diabetes Caucus is Chaired by MP Sonia Sidhu, and co-Chaired by MPs Ziab Aboultaif, Lindsay Mathyssen, Sylvie Bérubé, and Senator Dr. Marie-Françoise Mégie.
“Last year, during the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, we were thrilled to see the bold step forward from governments to address the diabetes epidemic in Canada with the passage into law of Bill C-237,” says Russell Williams, Senior Vice President of Mission with Diabetes Canada. “Although insulin was the beginning of improving the quality of life for people living with diabetes, it is still not a cure. We’re looking forward to continued consultations for the development of the National Diabetes Framework as it will help us make continued progress for the care and treatment of the 11.7 million people living with diabetes or prediabetes.”
The recent meeting focused on continued work of the Caucus as well as reviewing the implementation of the government’s commitment to develop the National Diabetes Framework. Guest speakers included an exciting research presentation from Dr. Bruce Verschere, Investigator, British Columbia Children's Hospital Director, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics; and a nutrition talk from Andy De Santis, Registered Dietitian.
"Since 2016, the All-Party Diabetes Caucus has worked to raise awareness about diabetes issues among our fellow parliamentarians,” says MP Sonia Sidhu, Brampton South, Ontario. “Thanks to the advocacy of this caucus over the last years an act establishing the National Framework for Diabetes and a motion recognizing November as Diabetes Awareness month was passed. The work of this caucus also led to the Government of Canada’s investment of over $235 million in research teams in the last five years, $35 million for the implementation of the national framework and the introduction of the New Food Guide in Canada. I want to thank Diabetes Canada for their ongoing support of this caucus and all Canadians living with diabetes."
Diabetes Canada continues to take an active leadership role in important initiatives, such as diabetes research, patient and health-care provider education, and the continued development of the Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Diabetes is not slowing down, and the development of the National Framework will help Canada lead the way with a much-needed comprehensive approach to tackling this disease. Consultations are set to continue through the spring and the Framework is to be tabled in Parliament in June by Canada’s federal Minister of Health.
About Diabetes Canada
A world free of the effects of diabetes is our vision. That’s why we’re working together to improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes. We’re sharing knowledge and creating connections for individuals and the health-care professionals who care for them; advocating through public policy; and funding research to improve treatments and find a cure to end diabetes.
For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).