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House Hansard - 30

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 14, 2022 11:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 30 - Feb/14/22
Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Humber River—Black Creek, Lib.)
  • Feb/14/22 2:02:16 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, February is age-related macular degeneration month, which is the leading cause of blindness for Canadians over the age of 50. Close to two million Canadians and almost 200 million people globally suffer from macular degeneration, which is a progressive disease that, over time, takes the eyesight of those who suffer from it. It is very likely that everyone in this chamber knows someone who has suffered or will suffer from macular degeneration. Macular degeneration first starts with blurriness and difficulty recognizing fine details in faces. In its later stages, it leaves the individual legally blind, unable to see because of significant dark spots in their vision. We recognize that one of the most critical issues affecting our Canadian seniors' quality of life is the ability to stay in their homes and continue to live independently longer. Every year, countless seniors are forced to give up their homes and move into retirement or nursing homes because macular degeneration has stolen their vision and made independent living dangerous or outright impossible. Macular degeneration has no cure, but there are promising medical treatments currently on the horizon awaiting Health Canada approval. I hope everyone will join me in recognizing the millions of Canadians who suffer from macular degeneration.
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