SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Diabetes Awareness Month

Honourable senators, of course, I will also take a moment to applaud Senator Cordy on 24 years. I am three years in. I am in awe.

Honourable colleagues, I rise today because November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and I’m pleased to welcome Kids for a Cure and share some news on the fight to cure Type 1 diabetes, or T1D.

As of November 1, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF, has officially rebranded to Breakthrough T1D. This new name recognizes that 89% of Canadians living with Type 1 diabetes are adults and that 71% of new diagnoses happen in adults.

I’d also like to call attention to the amazing kids and their parents in the gallery today. These Kids for a Cure delegates have come from across Canada to advocate for funding toward a cure for Type 1 diabetes, with a particular focus on cell therapy research.

Cell therapies are so promising because they can be designed to reprogram existing cells or replace damaged and destroyed cells. For T1D, this means replacing the insulin-producing beta cells, in essence curing the condition. That means long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney disease and eye disease could be virtually halted or avoided entirely.

Breakthrough T1D is asking the federal government for $15 million over four years on cures research for Type 1 diabetes. Breakthrough T1D will match this contribution, which would put the total investment at $30 million over four years.

This research is so close, and cell therapies have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people living with T1D, while also reducing the strain on our health care system down the line.

It is my hope that these youth won’t live with T1D for much longer. It is my hope that these parents can have a near future where they are not co-managing this disease with their child. It is my hope that the government will make this crucial investment in the health and well-being of Canadians and Type 1 diabetes.

Once again, I wish to commend everyone from Breakthrough T1D and Kids for a Cure for their tireless efforts for this cause.

Thank you.