OTTAWA – Over a year after a take note debate took place in the House of Commons on Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Liberals continue to urge the federal government to support evidence-based medicine and fund clinical trials in Canada.

“The federal government is refusing to show leadership on this issue and provinces like Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick have had to fill the void,” said Liberal Health Critic Dr. Hedy Fry. “We believe the federal government has a duty through the CIHR to ensure that the clinical evidence is clear with regard to treatment and interventions. Good clinical evidence protects patients’ well-being while ensuring efficacy and availability of new treatments in a timely manner.”

Liberal MP Dr. Kirsty Duncan has been fighting for clinical trials in Parliament since May 2010. Taking full advantage of her scientific background, Dr. Duncan has closely followed the research being conducted around the world, while lending a compassionate ear to literally thousands of Canadians affected by this devastating disease.

“I have seen the research, I have attended conferences, I have seen results,” said Dr. Duncan.  “Four hundred people die each year because of MS in Canada, and if we can improve quality of life, we should be doing so. That’s why, at the earliest opportunity, I plan to table a Private Member’s Bill in support of clinical trials in Canada.”

Drs. Fry and Duncan were joined by colleagues Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Senator Jane Cordy, as well as MS patients including Tim Donovan, founder of New Hope for Multiple Sclerosis, who is on a cross country tour of Canada that aims to bring about change in Canada’s health policy on MS and CCSVI.

“I want to thank and recognize my colleague Kirsty Duncan for being a tireless advocate for MS sufferers across this country, who have shown patience and grace in their fight for federal support for clinical trials,” concluded Dr. Fry.

http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/news-release/liberals-call-clinical-trials-ccsvi-multiple-sclerosis/