The Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) is a network of Canadian families formed to raise greater awareness of the realities Canadians with severe allergies face every day. Their primary goal is to urge Parliamentarians and federal officials to respond to allergy concerns involving public awareness and education, food safety, transportation, and research, with an ultimate goal to reduce the risks of preventable anaphylactic attacks throughout Canada.
The CAI has made progress by working closely with MP Dean Allison in raising awareness with his Parliamentary colleagues. The Niagara West – Glanbrook MP has Motion M-230 in the House of Commons which reads: That in the opinion of the House, anaphylaxis is a serious concern for an increasing number of Canadians and the government should take the appropriate measures necessary to ensure these Canadians are able to maintain a high quality of life.
The CAI submits that governments at all levels can provide leadership on this issue. The federal government can raise greater public understanding, promote responsible safety measures, educate people on the signs of a reaction and how to help a person in need – similar to CPR education, the use of defibrillators, and the public information campaigns for diabetes and stroke awareness. This coordinated government approach will lead to reducing risk and to safer environments for individuals and families living with life-threatening allergies. Our governments have successfully tackled a wide range of health concerns that has made Canada a safer, healthier, happier place to live. The CAI believes that anaphylaxis deserves the same attention.
Photo (l to r): Lead members of the CAI and MP Dean Allison: Gladys Vergis-Mayo, Cindy Paskey, MP Dean Allison, Mindi Ferkul, Debbie Bruce, Chris George, Roy Mayo
Please help to get this motion passed by taking these steps:
STEP 1 – Call your MP to arrange a meeting. The contact information for each Member of Parliament is here. Tell her about anaphylaxis – how it affects your family and ask her to support Dean Allison’s motion M230.
STEP 2 – Bring to the meeting a letter that describes your support for the Motion. Here’s a draft letter you can use: CAI Draft Letter. Just add your MP’s name, your name, and consider customizing it to tell your story. Be sure your MP contacts MP Dean Allison to let him know he supports his Motion.
STEP 3 – Mail your letter after the meeting to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and the Transport Minister.
Your support is truly appreciated. To stay informed about CAI’s activities, visit their website by clicking here. You can also find them on Facebook by clicking here.
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