Today, Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, proudly hosted the 4th Annual World Diabetes Day Flag-Raising at Brampton City Hall. This event, held in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, aims to raise awareness and support for the millions of Canadians affected by diabetes.
In her opening remarks, Sidhu emphasized the importance of early detection and screening, thanking Dynacare for providing free diabetes testing at the event. “We gather here not just to raise a flag but to raise awareness and support for the many individuals and families affected by diabetes in our community and across Canada,” she stated.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from various levels of government, including Mayor Patrick Brown, Councillor Navjit Kaur Brar, Colleague MP Maninder Sidhu, MP Ruby Sahota, and MP Shafqat Ali, many community leaders as well as delegates from national organizations such as Diabetes Canada, JDRF, BreakthoroughT1D, Williams Osler Health, & Dynacare. Community leaders and patients also joined to share their experiences and insights.
MP Sonia Sidhu highlighted the significant strides made in diabetes care and prevention, referencing her private member’s bill, C-237, which established a National Framework for Diabetes in Canada. “Our government’s recent Pharmacare legislation is a giant step forward, ensuring that over three and a half million Canadians living with diabetes have access to the medications and resources they need,” she noted.
A highlight of the event was the mobile testing clinic provided by Dynacare, which offered attendees the opportunity to receive free diabetes testing. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote screening and early detection, crucial components of the National Framework for Diabetes. The mobile clinic featured trained healthcare professionals who conducted tests and provided valuable information on diabetes management and prevention.
As Canada continues to lead in diabetes research and innovation, Sidhu expressed optimism for the future. “Canada is the birthplace of insulin, and with ongoing advancements, I believe we are on the path to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes,” she added.
The event concluded with a call to action for all Canadians to support ongoing efforts in diabetes research and advocacy. “Let’s continue to support our doctors, researchers, and advocates. Together, we can combat diabetes,” Sidhu urged.
