Honourable senators, I rise today during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week to bring attention to a growing global public health crisis that is also of significant concern for us here in Canada.

Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to the medications designed to treat them. This resistance renders antimicrobials and other critical treatments less effective, making infections harder or sometimes even impossible to treat. As a result, the risk of disease-spread, severe illness and death increases significantly.

Here in Canada, the impact of AMR is already being felt. It is estimated that one in four infections in our country is now resistant to first-line treatment. Common infections like bacterial pneumonia, gonorrhoea and urinary tract infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The implications are profound. Without effective antimicrobials, routine surgeries, cancer treatments and even childbirth could become far riskier with patients facing life-threatening complications from infections that were once easily treatable.

In 2018 alone, AMR directly contributed to 5,400 deaths in Canada, with the financial toll on our health care system and economy exceeding $3.4 billion. AMR is a complex, multi‑faceted issue that threatens human and animal health, disrupts food production and impacts our environment. Drug-resistant pathogens pose a risk to everyone everywhere, yet much more can be done to raise awareness among the public and stakeholders. This year’s theme for World AMR Awareness Week is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” This calls on all of us to raise awareness, push for strong commitments and take concrete steps to combat this threat.

The upcoming 2024 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance provides a crucial opportunity to secure the political will and resources needed to protect the effectiveness of our medications.

Honourable colleagues, AMR is a challenge that knows no borders and our response must be just as united. Practically speaking, simple measures like washing hands, covering your cough or sneeze and not taking or prescribing antibiotics for viral infections like the common cold or influenza are ways to help combat AMR. Let us use this week and beyond to inspire action and collaboration, ensuring that life-saving treatments remain effective for future generations.

Thank you, meegwetch.