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Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 66

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
April 09, 2024
Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act, 2023
  • Bill 66, also known as the Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act, was passed in 2023. It aims to raise awareness about heart valve disease (HVD), a condition that affects over one million Canadians. HVD can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, but early detection and treatment can greatly improve outcomes. The Act proclaims February 22 as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day and designates the week beginning on the second Monday of September as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week. The goal is to increase public awareness, improve detection and treatment, and support individuals living with HVD and their families. The Act came into effect on the day it received Royal Assent.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of Bill 66 2023, the Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act, is that it addresses a significant public health issue and aims to improve the detection, treatment, and support for individuals with heart valve disease (HVD). Firstly, the preamble of the bill highlights the prevalence and seriousness of HVD in Canada. With over one million Canadians affected by HVD, it is a major health concern that can lead to reduced mobility, stroke, heart failure, and even death if left untreated. The bill acknowledges the increasing incidence of HVD due to Ontario's aging population and describes it as the next epidemic of heart disease. By raising awareness about HVD, the bill aims to address this growing health issue. Secondly, the bill emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of HVD. Studies have shown that the mortality rate in untreated severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (the most common form of HVD) is high. However, when HVD is detected early, it can be treated effectively, often with minimally invasive surgery. By promoting regular screening and recognizing the symptoms of HVD, the bill aims to improve the chances of successful treatment and improve the length and quality of life for patients with HVD. Furthermore, the bill acknowledges that HVD symptoms can vary widely between individuals and are often dismissed as normal signs of aging. By increasing public awareness about the symptoms of HVD, the bill aims to ensure that individuals seek medical attention and do not ignore potential warning signs. The bill also highlights that a simple stethoscope check can detect heart murmurs and other abnormal sounds that may indicate HVD, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Lastly, the bill recognizes existing international and national efforts to raise awareness about HVD. By proclaiming HVD Awareness Day and HVD Awareness Week, the Province of Ontario aligns itself with global and national organizations dedicated to HVD awareness. This recognition helps to amplify the message and create a unified effort to improve the detection and treatment of HVD. In summary, the Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act addresses a significant public health issue by raising awareness about HVD, promoting early detection and treatment, and supporting individuals living with HVD and their families. By doing so, the bill aims to improve the overall health outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by HVD in Ontario.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 66: While it is important to raise awareness about heart valve disease (HVD) and its potential risks, the government should not be involved in proclaiming specific awareness days or weeks. This kind of legislation is unnecessary and represents government overreach. Firstly, it is not the role of the government to dictate what awareness days or weeks should be recognized. This infringes on individual freedom and personal choice. It is up to individuals and organizations to decide which causes they want to support and raise awareness for. The government should not be involved in promoting specific health issues over others. Secondly, the government's involvement in proclaiming awareness days and weeks can lead to a slippery slope. If the government starts proclaiming awareness days for certain diseases, it opens the door for other interest groups to lobby for their own awareness days. This could result in an overwhelming number of awareness days and weeks, diluting the impact and effectiveness of such initiatives. Furthermore, the government's focus should be on reducing its involvement in healthcare and allowing individuals to make their own healthcare decisions. By proclaiming awareness days, the government is indirectly promoting a specific healthcare issue and potentially influencing individuals' choices. This goes against the principles of limited government and individual liberty. Lastly, the resources and time spent on proclaiming awareness days and weeks could be better utilized in other areas of healthcare. Instead of focusing on symbolic gestures, the government should prioritize improving access to healthcare services, reducing wait times, and investing in medical research and innovation. In conclusion, while raising awareness about heart valve disease is important, the government's involvement in proclaiming specific awareness days and weeks is unnecessary and represents government overreach. Individuals and organizations should have the freedom to choose which causes they want to support, and the government should focus on more practical and impactful healthcare initiatives.
Second Reading
  • April 9, 2024, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read
First Reading
  • Feb. 22, 2023, midnight
  • Passed