Mr. Speaker, June is ALS Awareness Month recognizing people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, and their supportive families.

    ALS is a progressive neuro degenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and severely impacting voluntary muscle action. ALS causes difficulty in speaking, increased muscle weakness and total paralysis in its later stages.

    Approximately 3,000 Canadians currently live with this devastating disease. Sadly there is no cure.

    We need a national brain strategy to address not only ALS but also other chronic brain diseases. We must raise awareness, ensure caregivers support and increase research dollars to improve the quality of life of those living with these diseases and to find new treatments and cures.

    Together we can provide hope to individuals who bravely battle brain disease and to their families who lovingly support them.