Jeremy Patzer, Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley
Linked statement
“May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Canada has high rates of this disease, and many of its symptoms cannot be seen. I want the government to update the disability tax credit so it covers illnesses that come and go like this.”
“Mr. Speaker, May is MS Awareness Month, and Canada has some of the highest rates of MS in the world, with 12 people diagnosed every single day in Canada. This year focuses on the invisible symptoms of MS, which often lead to misunderstandings and barriers. For people who are living with MS, such as my wife Kyla, a lot of this has to do with severe fatigue. This is connected with sensory issues, chronic pain such as the MS hug, and mental or emotional symptoms. This all goes hand in hand with MS being unpredictable and inconsistent. As an episodic disability, it has a range of symptoms that fluctuate, with relapses and flare-ups. Despite these special challenges, the MS community continues to move forward. This month brings an important opportunity to raise awareness and show support for an important cause, with the May 50K fundraiser. Members can find more information on the MS Canada website. I also want to highlight MS Canada’s call for the disability tax credit to be modernized, including updates for the eligibility criteria to better reflect episodic illnesses. Not all disabilities are visible, and just because we cannot see them, they are no less worthy of our support.”
Mr. Speaker, May is MS Awareness Month, and Canada has some of the highest rates of MS in the world, with 12 people diagnosed every single day in Canada. This year focuses on the invisible symptoms of MS, which often lead to misunderstandings and barriers. For people who are living with MS, such as my wife Kyla, a lot of this has to do with severe fatigue. This is connected with sensory issues, chronic pain such as the MS hug, and mental or emotional symptoms. This all goes hand in hand with MS being unpredictable and inconsistent. As an episodic disability, it has a range of symptoms that fluctuate, with relapses and flare-ups. Despite these special challenges, the MS community continues to move forward. This month brings an important opportunity to raise awareness and show support for an important cause, with the May 50K fundraiser. Members can find more information on the MS Canada website. I also want to highlight MS Canada’s call for the disability tax credit to be modernized, including updates for the eligibility criteria to better reflect episodic illnesses. Not all disabilities are visible, and just because we cannot see them, they are no less worthy of our support.