On June 22, Canada made history with the passage of Bill C-233, An Act respecting a national strategy for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Prior to this announcement, Canada was the only remaining G7 nation without a national dementia strategy. This soon-to-be law will address the overwhelming scale, impact and cost of dementia. 

This is an important milestone for the Alzheimer’s Society, people living with dementia and caregivers like myself.  I believe the government is unable to handle the dementia crisis using its currently methodology. Especially when you consider that there are more than 747,000 Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia; and that number is projected to double over the next 20 years. 

“A national strategy enables a coordinated approach to tackling dementia in Canada that will impact the lives of those affected in tangible ways,” said Pauline Tardif, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

I welcome any enhancement to research efforts, as well as any attempt to improve access to quality care and support. Canadians with dementia deserve the best quality of life possible. 

On a side note, I am incredibly grateful for Honourable Rob Nicholson, MP Niagara Falls, and Rob Oliphant, MP Don Valley West, for co-sponsoring Bill C-233. Without the courageous efforts of these men, and the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology, Canada would not be joining the ranks of the 29 other countries that have a national dementia strategy.

Stay tuned for more details as the federal government moves forward with implementation.

To learn more, visit www.alzheimer.ca/advocacy.