HAPPENINGS!

Things are really happening! I'm tempted to change the name of this blog to be "Meerkat's Hope" - instead of just a "heap" of information. What do you think?  Especially if you read on about the news below!
The heading can then look like this

GOOD NEWS!!

Quoted from a post by Elizabeth May, MP, about Bill C-442*:

Since tabling the bill for First Reading in June 2012, my office has been inundated with letters of support. Many are from those suffering the effects of Lyme disease.  Many are from Canadians who have travelled to the U.S. to obtain treatment. I have also heard from many Members of Parliament, from all sides of the House, who hope to see it become law.

The bill is also supported by health professionals, such as the College of Family Physicians of Canada. In a letter to me, November 21, 2013, Eric J. Mang, Director, Health Policy and Government Relations, of the College of Family Physicians of Canada wrote:
“The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) would like to commend you for presenting Bill C-442, National Lyme Disease Strategy.

“The CFPC supports further studying the economic and health impacts of Lyme Disease to ensure that Canadian physicians have the necessary tools and knowledge at their disposal. Guidelines produced as part of the strategy should include the input of family physicians and available to all primary health care providers.”

Bill C-442 will be going to Second Reading debate on Monday, March 3, 2014. I hope all Canadians will read the bill, and ignore efforts to distort its very sensible, scientifically sound approach. With non-partisan, and compassionate support, we can get the bill to committee and consider any changes that meet the concerns of all impacted by what can be a tragic illness.
 (~ My bold and highlighting ~ Marlene)


POSTERS TO SHARE - LYMEWALK May 10, 2014

The popular Brampton LymeWalk (stroll, roll, etc) will be held for the third time this May! And this year, all registrations are online. No matter where you are, you can join in, register, sponsor, donate and take part virtually. Even if you can't leave your bed or your town, join in to show support and solidarity with Lyme Patients everywhere.

The Walk is part of the WorldWide Lyme Awareness effort (or call it Protest if you like).

Here are posters or graphics you can download to share, please. One can be printed upright (portrait) and the other can be printed long / flat / landscape. Or they can be printed back-to back if you wish. Click on the small image to open in a new window, and then save or print from there.

Of course, you can refer anyone to this blog post to get the images themselves.

Thank you to everyone for comments via email or direct notes when stopping by this blog.

See about Bill C-442 and why we need such a bill HERE.

Help create a National Lyme Disease Strategy

On March 4th, 2014, the House of Commons will begin debate on Elizabeth May's Private Members’ Bill C-442, an Act to Create a National Lyme Disease Strategy. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Original document in PDF format: CLICK

Today, Elizabeth May is asking for your help in making a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of Canadians. On March 4th, 2014, the House of Commons will begin debate on my Private Members’ Bill, C-442, an Act to Create a National Lyme Disease Strategy.

Many of you are already too aware of the shortcomings of the Canadian medical system in dealing with Lyme. And while not a panacea, Bill C-442, if passed, would bring together Canada’s Health Ministers, medical professionals, scientists, and the advocates for Canadians with Lyme Disease to work toward common goals: increasing awareness and prevention, ensuring accurate diagnoses, tracking the spread of the disease, and establishing national standards for the care and treatment of Lyme that reflect best practices.

This is not about politics, it is about helping the thousands of Canadian families who have had their lives turned upside down by this terrible disease. We have received strong indications of support from the NDP and the Liberals, and many Conservative Members of Parliament have similarly expressed their willingness to stand behind this important initiative. We are cautiously optimistic that this plan can succeed, but we can’t take anything for granted.

We need you to help make sure that this Bill becomes law. Members of Parliament will be back home in their communities during the week of February 17th and, during this time, we are asking you to meet with your MP to share your story, help educate them about Lyme, and explain to them why Canada urgently needs a National Lyme Disease Strategy. Please go to www.greenparty.ca/lyme-disease to call your MP and schedule a meeting during the February 17th constituency week.

Many of you have already shared your stories with us, and we urge you to continue to do so. Please go to www.greenparty.ca/lyme-disease to write how Lyme has impacted your life of that of your loved ones, and why Canada needs a National Lyme Disease Strategy.

Finally, if you haven’t already, please add your name to the online petition and, if you are able, please print out the paper petition and collect signatures in your community. These petitions will be tabled in the House of Commons, and shared with other Members of Parliament who have indicated their support for Bill C-442.

Thank you for taking action. If you would like more information about Lyme Disease or Bill C-442, please go to www.elizabethmaymp.ca/national-lyme-disease-strategy.

With hope,

Elizabeth May

OTHER DOCUMENTS WITH LYME IN THE NEWS

• The newest STD: Lyme?  Link
• Vancouver Island Hawk spreading Lyme Disease Link  Quote: “Even though this tick doesn’t bite humans, it perpetuates the infection and helps hold it in nature,” Scott said. “It helps build the population or infection in the tick population.” - See more
• Why our bad winter is actually good Link