News Release – Brampton, Ontario

During the month of November, Bramptonians recognize Diabetes Awareness Month and the many contributions and achievements of researchers in this area, dating back to the Canadian discovery of insulin more than 100 years ago. Every 5th resident in Brampton lives with Diabetes and one in three Canadians is affected.

Since her election in 2015, MP Sonia Sidhu has been a tireless champion for those living with diabetes and their families. In 2019, MP Sidhu's motion to declare November as Diabetes Awareness month was passed unanimously in the House of Commons. Municipal partners followed suit and proclaimed November as Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14 as World Diabetes Day in the City of Brampton. 

In June of 2021, MP Sidhu's Private Members Bill C-237 passed unanimously through Parliament In October of 2022, alongside the federal Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos, the National Framework for Diabetes in Canada was tabled. 

That is why on November 25, MP Sidhu was pleased to join Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh and community partners to raise the flag and recognize the significant achievement that is the tabling of the national framework. During Diabetes Awareness Month, MP Sidhu invites all Canadians to learn more about this chronic condition so we can take action to prevent it and better support people living with diabetes.

Quotes

“Diabetes continues to be a major health concern for many residents in Brampton and all of us know someone who has been impacted by this disease. That is why we must continue to work with partners to spread awareness and coordinate a common response to lessen the burden of diabetes on individuals, families, communities and our health care systems. Today's flag raising at Brampton City Hall will enhance public awareness about this devastating disease.”

– Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament, Brampton South

“Diabetes Canada is honored to join Brampton community partners to recognize Diabetes Awareness Month and celebrate the recent tabling in the House of Commons of the Framework for Diabetes in Canada. We believe this Framework lays the foundation for collaborative and complementary action by all sectors of society to improve access to diabetes prevention and treatment and ensure better health outcomes for people living in Canada.”

– Jennifer Buccino, Executive Director, People Affected by Diabetes (PAD) Knowledge and Connection, Diabetes Canada

JDRF is excited to build off the momentum of the National Framework for Diabetes by continuing to invest in ground-breaking research that will ensure the 300,000 Canadians living with type 1 diabetes - and who require insulin to survive - can live healthier, safer and easier lives until cures are found.

– Dave Prowten, President & CEO, JDRF Canada

“As an organization dedicated to supporting healthy lives with commitment and care, Dynacare is pleased to join local dignitaries and like-minded community groups to mark Diabetes Awareness Month. We look forward to continuing to work together to raise awareness of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and providing equitable access to testing in Brampton and beyond.”

– Vito Ciciretto, CEO of Dynacare

“William Osler Health System provides diabetes care to patients at all stages of life,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “Diabetes remains a challenge for our community, and today’s ceremony helps bring greater awareness to the need for more prevention, care and treatment, and research. I am proud of Osler’s compassionate, highly skilled teams who work closely with patients every day to help manage diabetes and prevent complications later in life.”

– Dr. Frank Martino, President & CEO

"Type 2 Diabetes is of major concern in the Black, African and Caribbean communities with almost every household being affected to some degree. Therefore, we welcome all opportunities, such as this flag-raising ceremony and clinic, for our members to be tested and learn more about this debilitating disease."

– Angela J Carter, Executive Director, Roots Community Services Inc.

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