Your voice is a powerful tool.

When it comes to politicians and policy makers, they want to know the decisions they make are supported by Canadians across the country. That’s why we need your voice this fall to continue to advocate for the Government of Canada to commit $15 million in funding to accelerate MS research for a cure at this pivotal moment.

We want to see the Government of Canada include our $15 million ask for MS research in the upcoming fall economic statement. Your participation demonstrates the widespread support from our MS community for the federal government to step up and commit to this critical MS research funding.

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Here’s how you can help.

With just a few pieces of information from you, we’ll prepare a letter from you to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Health, and your local Member of Parliament that highlights the reasons for investing in MS research.

 EXPAND TO READ THE LETTER

Dear Minister Freeland and Minister Holland,

I am writing to you as a member of the MS community to stress the critical need to accelerate MS research for a cure at this pivotal moment. As you may know, MS is a neurological disease affecting over 90,000 Canadians, and Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.

MS Canada, in partnership with MS Australia and other leading international bodies, has been spearheading a global initiative aimed at preventing MS. This initiative aligns with the recent findings of groundbreaking research, particularly the identification of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a significant risk factor for MS. The potential to prevent MS through targeted interventions, such as vaccines and antivirals against EBV, has never been more promising.

This investment is not only vital for the health and well-being of Canadians but also economically prudent. MS imposes a substantial economic burden on our healthcare system and country overall, costing Canada approximately $3.4 billion annually. Investing in prevention research can mitigate these costs and improve the quality of life for countless Canadians and their families affected by MS.

The global MS research community has identified a significant funding gap, with less than 10% of all funding currently targeting prevention. Our collaborative efforts aim to bridge this gap and accelerate the understanding of preclinical MS phases and testing interventions that can halt the disease.

Given the transformative potential of this research, I’m asking you to support MS Canada to co-lead a global initiative to prevent MS by investing $15 million in leading-edge MS research, leveraging MS Canada’s connections and extensive expertise to focus and further our understanding of MS in the upcoming federal economic statement.

[YOUR COMMENT INSERTED HERE]

Your action today can accelerate MS research for a cure at this pivotal moment.

Sincerely,

[YOUR FIRST NAME AND LAST NAME]
[YOUR CITY AND POSTAL CODE]

cc: [Your MP]
MS Canada

Add your personal comments:

If you’d like, please share how MS has affected your life and the importance of investing in MS research. Your comments will be inserted automatically in your letter once it’s sent.

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Honourable
Chrystia
Freeland
Minister of Finance
Honourable
Mark
Holland
Federal Health Minister

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