By Neil Pierce
Canadians across the country took to the polls last month to select our federal government. As a result, Canada has a new leader in Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party—and 199 new Members of Parliament are ready to hear about how they can effect change for people living with multiple sclerosis.
During the election, we highlighted some highly personal stories from people across the country who live with MS and have experienced difficulties in the workplace. The message was clear: change is needed.
We’re proud to say that Canadians rallied together and sent more than 14,000 letters to their local candidates, urging them to move forward on more flexible employment supports and improved income security programs for people living with MS and other chronic illnesses. The letters also emphasized the need for increased investment to speed up research to develop effective therapies for progressive MS and bring us closer to truly ending MS.
The excitement of election season may have died down, but it’s important not to lose momentum when advocating for change on behalf of people living with chronic illness. Now is the time to hold our newly elected government accountable for their promises–scroll through the images below to find out how we plan to do that: If you’re wondering how to get involved with your government now that the election is over, we suggest learning who your local MP is and reaching out to them with your thoughts and concerns.
This is how we’re going to hold our government accountable for their decisions. Are there other ways in which you’re advocating for change? Share your stories with us in the comments.
My MLA, Fin Donnally (NDP) has a private member’s bill in progress to extend medical EI benefits. He has attended our NMO (neuromyelitis optica, an allied disease) 5km walk/Run in Port Moody, BC and understands the challenges facing Canadians with chronic illness & disability. I have joined the MS Ambassadors program as someone living with NMO who was mis-diagnosed with MS for 5 years. I will advocate with everything I’ve got, for as long as I possibly can. Our stories are powerful.
The numbers of MS sufferers is increasing, and the age of diagnosis lower. There has been a focus on this illness using a significant amount of time and money. Time to resolve this puzzle and allow people to get their lives back. From one who was diagnosed 23 years ago.
I would love more research into secondary progressive MS with all ages, because I’m 60 I’m deemed “too old” for trials, feels like my right to live a normal existence has been taken away, MS affects all ages not just people under 50!