Honourable senators, I speak today as a warning that tomorrow I will make my way into this prestigious chamber wearing blue jeans. But rest assured, Your Honour, this is not my attempt to break decorum or start a new fashion trend in the Senate. I am doing this for a good cause: Tomorrow is National Denim Day, an opportunity to support and join the fight against breast cancer with the CURE Foundation.

The CURE Foundation has been fighting against breast cancer for over 20 years. In those 20 years, more than 400,000 people of all ages and from all walks of life have worn jeans or denim to work as a sign of support. Founded in 1996, the CURE Foundation has a three-pronged mission, namely to purchase medical equipment, fund research and support community projects. The CURE Foundation seeks to explore all possible avenues in the fight against breast cancer.

Why am I so passionate about the cause? Because one in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime; because 14 women die from breast cancer every day in Canada; because 26,300 women and 230 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Canada. And because we can all do something about it.

This year, I’m joining the fight and I guess the big question is this: Who else in the Senate will dare to wear their blue jeans tomorrow?

I urge you all to join me in participating in National Denim Day tomorrow, May 14.