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Many Voices, One Message
Neurological Health Charities of Canada advocate for change
Many voices, joined together to deliver the same message, can be a powerful force for change.
On June 2 and 3, the combined voices of 12 leading neurological health charities was heard loud and clear at Parliament Hill during the official launch of Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC).
The Alzheimer Society of Canada, represented by Scott Dudgeon, CEO, and Patricia Wilkinson, Manager of Media and Government Relations, joined with other members of the NHCC to deliver an urgent message to politicians about the need to make neurological conditions like dementia a national health care priority.
"Within the next 20 years, neurological conditions will become the leading cause of death and disability in Canada," said Dudgeon. "Yet policymakers and health care provides are unprepared to cope with the predicted rise in prevalence of neurological diseases and the resulting disability related to both increased life expectancy and an aging population."
During the two day event, the NHCC asked the government to consider three things:
- Voice support that the brain disease category is a priority for this government (beyond mental health);
- Commit to moving forward within the coming budget cycle;
- Identify clear next steps about how we will partner with the government to get the information and funding we need.
Over the course of two days, NHCC members shared these important messages with Tony Clement, Minister of Health; Rob Merrifield, Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance; Gilles Duceppe (in French), Leader of the Bloc Quebecois; Senator Marjorie LeBreton, National Seniors Council;
Patrick Brown, PC member, Standing Committee on Health, Robert Thibault, Liberal member, Standing Committee on Health, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, NDP, Standing Committee on Health, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Prime Minister’s Office.
A lunch reception was also held, with Conservative MP
Joy Smith, Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, bringing greetings from the Minister of Health. Yves Savoie, CEO of the MS Society, spoke on behalf of the NHCC.
The group was pleased with its success over the two day event, which helped to raise awareness on the issue, as well as identify key members of Parliament to help champion the NHCC cause. The group will be back in Ottawa in the fall to move forward with its agenda.
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| NHCC members, including Alzheimer Society CEO Scott Dudgeon, pose with Health Minister Tony Clement during the group's launch in Ottawa June 2. |
NHCC and its members
The NHCC serves as one voice, aiming to improve the quality of life of those affected with a neurological disease, disorder or injury through education, advocacy, research and improved methods of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Founded in March 2008, members include:
- ALS Society of Canada
- Alzheimer Society of Canada
- Epilepsy Ontario
- Huntington Society of Canada
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada
- NeuroScience Canada
- Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy
- Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
- Parkinson Society Canada
- Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association
- Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
NHCC Fact Sheet
Case for Canada's Increased Investment in Neuroscience Research
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