Statement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on World AIDS Day
For Immediate ReleaseDecember 1, 2009
Statement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on World AIDS Day
OTTAWA – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement on World AIDS Day:
“Today is a time of remembrance and reflection – for those who have perished from this disease, and for those who live with it still. With some 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide – including 62,000 in Canada – today is also a time to renew our commitment to action, prevention, treatment and finding a cure.
“For two decades now, AIDS has caused untold suffering to millions of people around the world. As the most devastating infectious disease humanity faces today, no one is immune as it continues to spread, with 2.7 million new infections reported in 2008.
“Although there are anywhere from 2,300 to 4,500 new HIV cases reported each year in Canada, the real number is likely much higher – the Canadian AIDS Society estimates that another 30 percent of those with HIV haven’t reported it because they don’t even know they have it. This is a clear call for better AIDS education here at home.
“Canada must recommit itself to providing relief for AIDS treatment and prevention, including research support to develop a cure for the disease. Africa’s development depends upon it, where 1.4 million of two million worldwide deaths last year left too many Africans widowed and orphaned.
“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, I urge all Canadians to participate in events in their communities to raise money to fight AIDS, to increase AIDS awareness and education, and to fight prejudice against its victims.”
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Contact:
Press Office
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613-996-6740