Honourable senators, I was delighted to host an international meeting on antimicrobial resistance at the Fairmont Château Laurier on Monday, September 22, with a diverse group of experts and representatives of the G7 health alliance.

Antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, is one of the most urgent global health threats of our time. Each year, resistant infections cause hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide, and, without action, that number could rise dramatically. What makes AMR so dangerous is that it undermines the very foundation of modern medicine. Procedures like surgery, chemotherapy and organ transplants all depend on effective antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antihelminthics.

The drivers of AMR are well known: overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in both human health and agriculture, as well as insufficient investment in new treatments and diagnostics. This is not only a health crisis but also an economic, climate and security challenge, with the potential to push millions into poverty and overwhelm already strained health systems.

The good news, though, is that AMR is preventable. Stronger stewardship, innovations in drug and diagnostic development, improved surveillance and better infection prevention and control can save lives and reduce costs. But no country can solve this problem alone. Resistant pathogens cross borders freely.

Colleagues, this is why international cooperation is essential. We need governments, researchers, industry and civil society to work together, aligning policies, sharing data and ensuring equitable access to life-saving tools.

My gratitude goes out to Senators Ataullahjan, Osler, Patterson, Greenwood and Duncan, along with MP Helena Jaczek, for their support. An evening reception at the French Embassy hosted by His Excellency Michel Miraillet wrapped up a very productive meeting. We were honoured to welcome the leader of the Bloc Québécois, Yves-François Blanchet. Sincere gratitude goes out to the ambassador and his team for their gracious and warm welcome. The reception was not only a generous gesture of hospitality but also a powerful signal of France’s commitment to advancing global health.

Senators, if we collectively act now, we can slow the negative impacts of AMR in Canada and globally. If we wait, the outcomes will be dire. Thank you. Meegwetch.