News Release

June 5, 2009
For Immediate Release

Government of Canada Announces First-ever National Study on Neurological Diseases

OTTAWA – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Minister of Health, today announced support for a major national study on neurological diseases. This announcement fulfills a commitment made by the Government in the 2008 Speech from the Throne .

“Our Government is taking concrete action to break down barriers for Canadians with neurological diseases,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “We need a deeper understanding of these diseases to better address the needs of affected Canadians and those who care for them.  This study will give Canadians living with these diseases and their caregivers a chance to share their experiences and, with this knowledge, we can take steps to help improve their lives.”

Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq is joined by members of the 17 organizations that make up Neurological Health Charities Canada, Friday, June 5, 2009 in Toronto, after having announced Canada's first national study on neurological diseases.

The four-year national population study will provide key information to improve current knowledge about the prevalence, risk factors, use of health services, economic cost, and impact of neurological disease currently and projected over the next 20 years.  A comprehensive report will be published in the final year of the study. The report will help provide the knowledge required by governments and health stakeholders to plan programs and health services for Canadians living with these conditions.

"The goal of Neurological Health Charities Canada is to help Canadians with challenging neurological conditions participate fully in society and lead productive fulfilling lives," said Joyce Gordon, Chair of Neurological Health Charities Canada.  "This study is a critical step in this process as it will lead to a better understanding of the current status and impact of neurological conditions in Canada - on individuals, families and society overall."
 
Whether the person affected is a grandparent, a parent, a child or a neighbour, neurological diseases can inhibit Canadians from participating in society. Millions of Canadians live with some form of neurological condition – including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

The federal government will provide $15 million over four years to fund the design and implementation of the study, working closely with neurological health stakeholders.

Media Inquiries:

Josée Bellemare
Office of the Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations

(613) 941-8189