Liberals Call for Study into Stalled MS Registry and Clinical Trials

TORONTO— Liberal MP Dr. Kirsty Duncan issued the following statement today on the Liberal Party’s plans to help Canadians living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

“Between 55,000 and 75,000 Canadians live with MS and over 400 are lost to this terrible disease every year. Despite these stark statistics, the Harper Conservatives have failed to provide leadership to help treat the disease and help Canadians who suffer from it. That is why I will be introducing a Private Member’s Motion calling on the  Standing Committee on Health to study the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) handling of clinical trials for treatment of Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and a registry to track the health of Canadians who undergo the procedure outside of Canada.

In May of 2010, Liberals called on the government to initiate clinical trials on CCSVI treatment and to create a registry. The Conservatives initially refused and only adopted the Liberal plan after intense pressure, but have failed to provide either a timeline or any substantial details. To date, neither a registry nor a trial has been established.

Canadians with MS are waiting, getting sicker, and in some cases, dying. Yet the Conservatives are doing nothing. We have asked for action, but have received only empty promises. Enough is enough. I will be calling on the Standing Committee on Health to study the government’s inaction and put forward constructive ideas to help Canadians living with MS.”

http://www.facebook.com/notes/ccsvi-ontario/kirsty-duncan-continues-to-fight-for-canadians-with-ms/355240831213494