SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — World AIDS Day

I also want to take this opportunity to wish the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada a happy fiftieth anniversary.

Honourable senators, every year on December 1, we mark World AIDS Day. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” This is an opportunity to highlight the impact that international funding reductions are having on ordinary people, while highlighting the resilience of countries and communities that are mobilizing to protect the gains that have been made.

As we have said before in this chamber, over the last decade, despite numerous public health interventions, we have seen a significant and alarming rise in the rates of several sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in our country and around the world. With regard to HIV, despite a 90% reduction in deaths since the mid-1990s, the infection is still being transmitted. This chronic disease disproportionately affects certain marginalized populations, such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, certain Indigenous and Black populations, and people incarcerated in federal penitentiaries.

Let us be clear, colleagues: HIV affects everyone regardless of socio-economic status or sexual orientation. No one is immune to this endemic disease. As a result of its chronic nature and associated comorbidities, HIV imposes a substantial financial burden on Canada’s public health system. The Canadian AIDS Society estimates that the current economic loss associated with each newly diagnosed individual is $1.3 million per person.

Thanks to the eight senators who spoke during the Senate inquiry on this topic, potential solutions have been identified, including ensuring that non-disclosure of HIV status is decriminalized. It is critical that we follow up on these recommendations and continue the work.

These solutions require a holistic approach that encompasses early detection, access to innovative treatments and the implementation of comprehensive prevention strategies. Canada must do more and do much better.

Colleagues, if you want to learn more about the situation of HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, or STBBIs, join us tomorrow, November 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at 1 Wellington Street, room 120. In partnership with the HIV Legal Network, we will be holding a hybrid roundtable with experts who will share their perspectives on these issues and examine the urgent measures needed to promote equitable, effective and rights-based public health responses. The Minister of Health, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, MP Patricia Lattanzio, will deliver opening remarks beginning at 8 a.m.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Colleagues, we must continue to educate ourselves by remaining vigilant and informed. Above all, we must take action together now.

Thank you. Meegwetch.