Alistair MacGregor
MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford
We all know someone whoB次元官网网址檚 been affected; whether resulting from a concussive car accident, a sports injury, or a fall outside their home, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be long-lasting and life-altering. According to Brain Injury Canada, there are over 160,000 new cases of acquired brain injury each year in Canada, with an estimated 1.5 million Canadians currently living with a brain injury. Despite these staggering numbers, there is currently no coordinated approach to addressing this issue at the national level.
As your member of Parliament for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that brain injuries can have on individuals and their families. Last year, working hand-in-hand with Brain Injury Canada and local organizations, I proudly reintroduced my Private MemberB次元官网网址檚 Bill C-277 the National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act, which calls on the minister of health to develop a national strategy to support and improve brain injury awareness, prevention and treatment, as well as the rehabilitation and recovery of persons living with brain injury. I am honoured to have my bill supported by the CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses, Brain Injury Canada, the Cowichan Brain Injury Society, the BC Brain Injury Association, and university researchers and brain injury survivors across the country.
Going beyond the health-care implications, TBIs have a direct correlation to homelessness, incarceration, substance use and mental health issues. New research also shows a clear intersection between brain injuries and intimate partner violence as well as nonfatal drug overdoses B次元官网网址� a condition known as, Toxic Brain Injury. While it may be indirectly, this issue affects all Canadians, and I encourage you to join the fight to bring this legislation forward.
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The House of Commons e-petition 4266, which calls on the federal government to support my bill, currently has over 1,000 signatures from across the country and remains open for signatures until May 2. Brain Injury Canada has also launched a letter-writing campaign, making it easy for Canadians from coast to coast to coast to urge their elected representatives to support C-277. Brain Injury Canada has a webpage dedicated to this campaign. Should you wish to get involved, visit , or contact my office.
More Canadians live with an acquired brain injury than those living with multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injuries and breast cancer combined. Canadians living with TBI symptoms deserve equal access to the best available care and treatment. By working together and implementing a national strategy, we can improve the lives of millions of Canadians. I hope youB次元官网网址檒l join me in making that happen.
Alistair MacGregor is the member of Parliament for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford.
