MPP DUNLOP CALLS ON MCGUINTY TO SUPPORT MS PATIENTS

Resolution tabled and petition circulated on behalf of those afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis

I tabled a resolution in the Ontario Legislature last week to pressure the McGuinty Liberal government to conduct clinical trials of the treatment that has produced encouraging results for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.

The resolution states: That in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario and its Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care should immediately develop a program to assist Ontario citizens suffering with Multiple Sclerosis or with Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency more commonly called CCSVI, the opportunity to receive venoplasty treatment here in Ontario.

This treatment involves the use of a corrective angioplasty – a low-risk and relatively low-cost procedure. I do not understand why my constituents and other Ontarians with MS are being forced to travel to other countries on their own dime just to get a scan to confirm whether their veins might be blocked.

I have been touched by the heartfelt stories from MS patients in my riding and it’s on their behalf that I’m urging the government not to ignore their request for the Ministry of Health to conduct these trials. The province of Saskatchewan approved trials in July. It is about time that Premier Dalton McGuinty and Health Minister; The Honourable Deborah Matthews show the same leadership in this province.

On average, people with MS use $20,000 to $40,000 worth of prescription drugs every year to control their symptoms. Onset is typically between ages 20 and 40. Many people live 40 to 60 years with the disease. Close to three million people around the world have MS, including 55,000 Canadians.

Copies of a petition being circulated province wide asking the McGuinty Liberals to help those afflicted with MS are available at my Constituency offices at 14 Coldwater Road West, Orillia or 482 Elizabeth Street, Midland or online at www.garfielddunlopmpp.com.