News Release
February 8, 2000
HISTORICAL ENVIRONMENTAL ILLNESS (EI) BILL PASSES FIRST READING IN THE PARLIAMENT OF CANADA
Canadians With Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) And Fibromyalgia (FM) Will Be Protected And Will Have Their Needs Met When C-416 Passes Into Law
"I have the distinguished honour of passing along to you today, the following confirmation" writes Judith Spence, CEO of the Environmental Illness Society of Canada to those on the Society's e-mail list.
"M.P. Greg Thompson introduced the first ever 'EI' Bill today and in so doing, he has earned a place in history and in our hearts".
This legislation is the result of collaborative efforts between the EISC and M.P. Thompson's office. The EISC had consulted with members of the Society's Emerging Illnesses Coalition regarding issues they felt needed to be addressed. The Bill was over a year in the making.
"Thanks to M.P. Thompson, people with MCS-ME/CFS-FM can venture to feel more secure because 2000 is definitely going to be THE YEAR that they will experience, first hand, the benefits that come with the recognition and acceptance of their illnesses" affirmed Spence. Only through recognition and acceptance by the public and moreover by the medical profession will people with MCS-ME/CFS-FM have lasting peace of mind. "Our Time Has Truly Come" says Spence, "is the motto of the Environmental Illness Society of Canada and today we witnessed a confirmation of this reality in the Parliament of Canada."
The Bill now has several perilous stages to get through and its passage into law is not a 'sure thing'. M.P. Thompson's Bill C-416 will, in the short term, raise awareness about the illness and will draw attention to the current deficiencies in the medical and social support systems.
It is the lack of recognition and protection that has prevented persons with EI from being able to access appropriate, timely medical tests and treatments and, from being able to access the same support services that Canadians with other disabilities can rely on.
"Canadians with MCS-ME/CFS-FM had not been provided 'health by 2000' as Health and Welfare Canada had promised fourteen years ago when it signed the 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion" admonishes Spence.
Medical, socio-ecological and socio-economic issues faced by persons with MCS-ME/CFS-FM will be the focus of the EISC-spearheaded first International Conference on Environmental Illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia scheduled for Ottawa in November 17-19 of this year. Doctors, scientists, patients, industry and advocates from all over will come to Ottawa to share their views and to discuss pressing issues through Roundtable Talks and workshops.
"MP Thompson's legislation will go a long way to correcting many of the deficiencies in the system and will set the standard for protective legislation for persons with MCS-ME/CFS-FM all around the world" comments Spence. "I am optimistic and know that we have turned the corner. The Canadian medical establishment should now begin meeting the needs of Canadians with MCS-ME/CFS-FM."
New Brunswick is, to date, the only province that routinely provides appropriate, timely medical tests and treatments through its provincial Medicare system. M.P. Thompson hails from New Brunswick and has long been an advocate for the EI both in his constituency and as P.C. Health Critic, for all Canadians.
Those wishing to thank M.P. Greg Thompson can do so via e-mail:
thompg@parl.gc.ca or, at the address listed below:
Mr. Greg Thompson, M.P. Charlotte, New Brunswick
Room 421, West Block House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9 Canada
(613) 995-5550
Fax: (613) 995-5226.
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For more information contact Judith Spence at (613) 728-9493, toll free 1-877-362-1103 or, http://www.eisc.ca.