This being allergy awareness month, By George features an electronic motion now in Canada’s Parliament on the serious condition of anaphylaxis and safer airline allergy policies.

e-106 (Anaphylaxis) is sponsored by Dr. Hedy Fry, M.P. for Vancouver Centre and it is on-line on the Parliamentary website:

https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-106

This Petition to the Government of Canada reads:

Whereas:

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, Members of Parliament voted unanimously in support of Anaphylaxis Motion M-230 proposed by M.P. Dean Allison “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.”;

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical condition now affecting 2.5 million Canadians for which there is no treatment or cure;

Those with anaphylaxis are especially vulnerable while traveling on airlines at 35,000 feet in the air – far from emergency medical care; and

Improved Transportation Safeguards – relating to airline and public transportation policies that reduce risks for food allergic passengers is a primary goal of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative’s 5-Point Action Policy as it relates to Anaphylaxis Motion M-230.

We, the undersigned, members of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative and citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the above and , call upon the Government of Canada to enact a “Policy to Reduce the Risk for Anaphylactic Passengers” applicable to all forms of passenger transportation falling within its jurisdiction.

For clarification, the stated policy is a two-step approach to air safety for those with anaphylaxis or severe allergies. It puts a procedure in place that, when a passenger identifies him/herself as having a severe peanut or nut allergy, an airline would be required to:

• suspend the selling of peanuts/nuts/sesame snaps
• make an announcement about refraining from eating these products
• allow persons to carry epi-pens
• allow pre-boarding so that persons can wipe down seats
• require flight crew to be trained to administer an epi-pen in emergency situation
• add “allergy notification” to passenger information list

Please take 2 minutes and click onto the on-line form and sign this e-petition.

e-106 (Anaphylaxis)

The e-petition is open for 120 days and closes for signature : July 20, 2016, at 8:44 a.m. (EDT). All persons 14 years of age and older can sign.

For more By George Journal articles on anaphylaxis, click into our archives.

Chris George, providing reliable PR counsel and effective advocacy. Need a go-to writer or experienced communicator? 613-983-0801 @ CG&A COMMUNICATIONS.

It was a year ago today that MPs in our federal Parliament passed a motion to raise greater awareness for anaphylaxis, a potentially, deadly medical condition for those with severe allergies. Below are my reflections of my family’s experience being on Parliament Hill to see this important vote.  

I wish to wrap up the events of last week with a few personal observations.

• It was very gratifying last Wednesday night to see the anaphylaxis awareness motion receive MPs’ unanimous consent in the House of Commons. Our group of families, who have been volunteering our efforts over the past five years, connected with many MPs over three different Parliaments. It was wonderful for us to see our work with MPs, to raise awareness and understanding of severe allergies, result in an overwhelming endorsement.
• To our group of families that comprised the core of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative, thank you so much! What began as a bunch of questions posed in Cindy’s basement, has involved hundreds of hours of phone conversations and e-mails, meetings, envelope stuffing – and trips to Beamsville and a few to Ottawa – all special memories that have forged very special friendships. CAI was truly a group effort – and I know I can say that we were inspired and motivated by our respective love for our families. (Photo of some CAI family members on the steps of Parliament Hill) 
• Another huge thank you goes out to MP Dean Allison (pictured below with David George), who moved M-230 and managed its progress to the vote last week. Dean introduced the motion in two successive Parliaments, picking up from MP Rick Dykstra’s original motion back in the mid 2000’s. We appreciate the time and effort Dean and Rick have given this important subject over the years. We hope your work with fellow MPs will spur government action on further allergy policy developments.
• CAI’s voice on some important policy issues has been heard and, it demonstrates that a coordinated effort by a group of citizens can produce results. In our case, we got a motion through the House of Commons, signalling to all Parliamentarians the heightened importance Canadians place on finding better ways to deal with anaphylaxis. CAI was also part of the government’s labeling announcement; we were consulted concerning funding for research; and we have become a source of information for circles of MPs who are attempting to advance anaphylaxis concerns in Ottawa.
• Finally, on a personal note, it was great that my sons could be witness to the M-230 vote. I was pleased David got to see the MPs resolve concerning severe allergies. He has followed the debate in the House and has followed the actions of Dean and Rick through these past few years. Our Family hopes that this motion is but a first step in a fulsome government response to creating the proper public understanding and a safer environment for Canadians with anaphylaxis.

(ed. – This article is a report from the original Journal entry in May 2013.)

I wish to wrap up the events of last week with a few personal observations.

• It was very gratifying last Wednesday night to see the anaphylaxis awareness motion receive MPs’ unanimous consent in the House of Commons. Our group of families, who have been volunteering our efforts over the past five years, connected with many MPs over three different Parliaments. It was wonderful for us to see our work with MPs, to raise awareness and understanding of severe allergies, result in an overwhelming endorsement.
• To our group of families that comprised the core of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative, thank you so much! What began as a bunch of questions posed in Cindy’s basement, has involved hundreds of hours of phone conversations and e-mails, meetings, envelope stuffing – and trips to Beamsville and a few to Ottawa – all special memories that have forged very special friendships. CAI was truly a group effort – and I know I can say that we were inspired and motivated by our respective love for our families. (Photo of some CAI family members on the steps of Parliament Hill) 
• Another huge thank you goes out to MP Dean Allison (pictured below with David George), who moved M-230 and managed its progress to the vote last week. Dean introduced the motion in two successive Parliaments, picking up from MP Rick Dykstra’s original motion back in the mid 2000’s. We appreciate the time and effort Dean and Rick have given this important subject over the years. We hope your work with fellow MPs will spur government action on further allergy policy developments.
• CAI’s voice on some important policy issues has been heard and, it demonstrates that a coordinated effort by a group of citizens can produce results. In our case, we got a motion through the House of Commons, signalling to all Parliamentarians the heightened importance Canadians place on finding better ways to deal with anaphylaxis. CAI was also part of the government’s labeling announcement; we were consulted concerning funding for research; and we have become a source of information for circles of MPs who are attempting to advance anaphylaxis concerns in Ottawa.
• Finally, on a personal note, it was great that my sons could be witness to the M-230 vote. I was pleased David got to see the MPs resolve concerning severe allergies. He has followed the debate in the House and has followed the actions of Dean and Rick through these past few years. Our Family hopes that this motion is but a first step in a fulsome government response to creating the proper public understanding and a safer environment for Canadians with anaphylaxis.   

MPs’ votes in the House of Commons last night included the passing of Motion 230, a motion to raise awareness of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition brought on by severe allergies. This is welcomed news for family members of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI), a volunteer network of concerned families who have been working with MPs to raise awareness of severe allergies in Ottawa.

The anaphylaxis motion passed with unanimous, all-Party support. Niagara West-Glanbrook MP Dean Allison initiated the debate in the House of Commons, moving: 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.

“By bringing more attention and awareness to the Canadian public, our debate in Parliament has helped Canadians understand the signs, dangers and consequences of an anaphylactic reaction,” said MP Dean Allison. “With the passing of this motion, Canadians living with anaphylaxis receive much needed recognition from our government. We stand with them in their efforts to promote awareness of the condition.”

For the full press release by the CAI, click HERE.

The families of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI – cia-allergies.ca) thank MP Dean Allison (photo taken at Mr. Allison’s Beamsville office).

Anaphylaxis was debated again in Parliament yesterday.  MP Dean Allison, who is sponsoring a motion to raise awareness of anaphylaxis, spoke about the motives behind his Motion-230.

       On the first day of discussion in the House, I referred to the stories of Lucas, Liam and David. Their daily struggles with anaphylaxis and the fear of reaction can be reduced. Motion No. 230 aims for this goal. By bringing more attention and awareness to the Canadian public, this motion will help these children and many other Canadians who live with this condition. It will help Canadians understand the signs, dangers and consequences of an anaphylactic reaction.

       Although these considerable steps have been taken, more can be done. Businesses and governments should do more to help those who live with the condition. More specifically, Parliament should recognize that anaphylaxis is a serious condition and create the necessary awareness to help those living with anaphylaxis have a higher quality of life.

       Preventive measures should be taken by everyday Canadians in order to ensure the safety of those around them, especially those at risk of having an anaphylactic reaction. Understanding the condition and which allergens could cause reactions could lead to a reduction of incidents and more peace of mind for Canadians living with severe life-threatening allergies. With the passing of Motion No. 230, Canadians living with anaphylaxis will receive much needed recognition from our government. We stand with them in their efforts to promote awareness of the condition.

Mississauga MP Brad Butt spoke to the statistics in Canada, that demonstrate the magnitude of anaphylaxis and the importance of bringing it to national attention.

• It is estimated that 2.5 million Canadians live with anaphylaxis and the number continues to rise every year.
• 3,500 Canadians experience anaphylactic shock each year from eating the wrong foods.
• Of those 3,500, about a dozen will die unfortunately.
• One in two Canadians know someone with a serious food allergy. Alarmingly, it is most prevalent in young children, specifically those under three years of age.
• Close to 6% of children below the age of three, and 300,000 youth under 18 are affected by general food allergies.
• The frequency of food allergies has increased 350% from 1996 to 2002.
• The prevalence of peanut and nut allergies has increased 250% over that time.
• More than 40% of Canadians examine the ingredient information on food labels, either for themselves or for someone living with anaphylaxis.
• The most recognized allergy, of course, is the one to peanuts. This allergy affects two out of 100 children in Canada.
• Even with great vigilance, someone with a nut allergy will have an accidental episode every three to five years. 

The Member of Parliament urged his colleagues to support the motion:

       Motion No. 230 is about more awareness so that Canadians will become familiar with the risks of anaphylaxis and will hopefully take precautions to limit accidental exposure for those who may be vulnerable. This, in turn, will create a safer environment for everyone.

       More awareness of this serious medical condition is needed on a nationwide level. That is why I urge members of this House to approve this motion and launch anaphylaxis further onto the national stage. By adopting this motion, the Canadian government would be taking another important step forward in ensuring that Canadians living with anaphylaxis are able to maintain a higher quality of life.

Click here to read the full Parliamentary M-230 debate from yesterday.

Members of Parliament unanimously agreed with the motion to raise awareness of anaphylaxis when they debated MP Dean Allison’s M-230 on Friday (read full debate here.)

Families of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) are very excited by the fact that there was all Party agreement and look forward to the next time M-230 is in Parliament later this Spring. CAI is looking for tangible steps to be taken in the weeks and months ahead. Watch for news of our efforts on the website cai-allergies.ca

If you are concerned about severe allergies and want to help, we are asking for you to take action in the weeks ahead. Contact your MP now. You connecting with your federally elected representative is the single, most important thing you can do to help support these efforts, on behalf of all Canadian families living with severe allergies.

Write. E-mail. Phone. Visit. If you can, briefly tell them your story and concerns at a MP’s BBQ or public event, or at their office. MPs are always interested to know what’s important to their constituents.  Take every opportunity to:

• Tell them how important the Anaphylaxis Awareness Motion 230 is to your family.
  (print off and share the press releases with them)
• Talk about some of your challenges in trying to keep your loved ones safe.
• Ask if you can count on their support – and promise to be back in touch with news as it happens (you can forward news and background information as CAI posts new material).

Your actions are very important and will determine our ultimate success. Why? Each community’s voice needs to be heard in Parliament. MPs are often in their constituency offices meeting with local residents, as they want to help and learn what’s important to their constituents. If they hear first-hand the issues faced by allergic individuals and their families, it will help them better understand and put a face to the importance of this issue, and the need to act responsibly now. The more families they hear from – the better understanding MPs will have of how prevalent anaphylaxis is.  So, when this matter is debated in Parliament, they will be supportive.

Friday’s House of Commons debate was an important first step in this awareness initiative. Now it is important to build on the success.

(ed. – Read more about the CAI’s 5-point plan of action.)

This Friday, Members of Parliament will be speaking in the House of Commons on a motion dealing with anaphylaxis, a medical condition related to severe allergies.  Readers of By George will know that we have been part of a Canadian group that has been raising awareness in Ottawa to this growing concern. The Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI – www.cai.allergies.ca) is working with MPs to explore tangible ways the federal government can help reduce the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions.

Over the last five years, MPs Dean Allison and Rick Dykstra have been speaking with their colleagues and Dean Allison has sponsored motions in the previous Parliament and, tomorrow, his Motion 230 be the subject of debate in this Parliament.  There are a good number of MPs from all parties that have come together to support greater awareness on Parliament Hill and within the federal bureaucracy:  Bob Dechert, Joy Smith, Megan Leslie, Cheryl Gallant, Yvon Godin, Stella Ambler, Scott Armstrong, Brad Butt, Eve Adams, Ron Cannan, Rob Nicholson, John Baird, Bob Rae, Malcolm Allen, Patrick Brown, Colin Carrie, Wladyslaw Lizon and Justin Trudeau. Thank you for your continued support.

Through the years, the By George Journal has posted more than 30 articles on this issue.  You can see the full index by clicking on the articles tagged “anaphylaxis”.  To get a better idea of CAI and our recent efforts in Ottawa, here is a short list of four articles:

MPs Receptive to Acting on Anaphylaxis Issues

       Activities in Parliament through 2011-12

The CAI and Anaphylaxis Awareness in Ottawa

       The Genesis of Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative and working with MPs

Anaphylactic Reactions are Serious; Potentially Fatal

       A picture says a thousands words…

Families seeking a responsible response to anaphylaxis

       CAI’s call to action

Motion 230 will be debated in the House of Commons tomorrow, April 19, during Private Members Business at 1:30 – 2:30.  MP Dean Allison will be leading off this important debate for the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who must cope with severe, life threatening allergies.

Last week By George Journal marked the first anniversary of a special House of Commons debate on anaphylaxis with a series of posts about severe allergies and what Ottawa is and can do to help reduce the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions. Here is an index of those articles.

Anaphylaxis Issue:  Allergen Food Labelling

       Federal Government’s new labelling regulations

Anaphylaxis Issue:  Research (great news last week!)

       Federal Government’s $36.5 million commitment to allergy research  

MPs Receptive to Acting on Anaphylaxis Issues

       Activities in Parliament through 2011-12

The CAI and Anaphylaxis Awareness in Ottawa

       The Genesis of Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative and working with MPs

CAI’s Spring Activities in Ottawa

       Latest news from the families of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative

Families seeking a responsible response to anaphylaxis

       CAI’s call to action

Anaphylactic Reactions are Serious; Potentially Fatal

       A picture says a thousands words…

Post-script:  The Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative is looking for interested Canadians who are concerned about anaphylaxis to join our families’ awareness campaign.  We ask you to contact us at cai.allergies@gmail.com with any suggestions for moving our goals forward – as well as any information regarding your contact with MPs.  For more information on the CAI, please visit the website: http://cai-allergies.ca/

Earlier this year, a 7-year old child attending a Virginia school died after suffering an anaphylactic reaction to a peanut product. Teachers and school staff failed to respond to save Amaria’s life (see TV report).   

Elizabeth Goldenberg, one of Canada’s leading allergy safety experts, wrote in her blog One Spot Allergy some of the troubling questions we all ask as parents of children with severe allergies:  

     Case after case of catastrophic injury and death involve teachers or school nurses who failed to recognize an allergic or asthmatic emergency. Once they did realize what was happening, they responded slowly and inadequately, by failing to inject the patient with an EpiPen or choosing to call parents instead of 911.  How many deaths will it take until every State and Province in North America has mandatory allergy safety provisions for schools?

These tragic stories keep us up at night.

Not wanting to see further headlines like Amaria’s death drive the families of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative.  

As families dealing with the realities of anaphylaxis, we want to ensure Canadians with life-threatening allergies have safer environments to live, work and play.  There are a growing number of families in Canada who are directly affected – and, together, we can make a statement for the health and safety of our loved ones.

Want to help? You can. Here’s how:

• Connect with the CAI and join our advocacy efforts
• Write a letter of support for Motion 230
• Contact your local MP and share your family’s concerns
• Contact CAI’s list of MPs to voice your support 

And if you are not sure exactly what to say, visit CAI’s “Take Action” page and surf through the information on the organization’s website.

We hope and trust that in this Parliament we can raise MPs’ awareness and the level of debate, prompting action with Health Canada and other federal departments and agencies that deal with allergy concerns. Every single voice lends itself to our chorus of families who seek a responsible response to anaphylaxis.  

Speak up, join us, and be heard.

Chris George is a father of a 9-year old son, who has severe peanut, tree nuts and legume allergies. The George Family are members of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative : http://cai-allergies.ca .

Last month, anaphylaxis advocate Cindy Paskey visited with MP Dean Allison in Ottawa to discuss the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative group’s activities through the Spring Session of Parliament.  Here is the meat of the press release issued as a result of the discussions.

     CAI is working with a core group of MPs to raise greater understanding of the daily challenges anaphylaxis presents to affected Canadians, their families and the general public. MP Dean Allison, a leading champion of this campaign, comments, “I understand the stressful challenges of staying safe through the many e-mails and messages of support I receive- not only from families, but also from the many people who know someone living with a life-threatening allergy. Parliament and the Ottawa bureaucracy can help increase their health and safety.”

     One of their key successes has been introducing an anaphylaxis awareness motion in the House of Commons. MP Allison’s M-230 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.

     Cindy Paskey comments on her Ottawa visit. “Talks with Dean Allison have been very productive. Together, the CAI and MPs will continue their efforts to educate the Parliament Hill community. Greater awareness and government actions are necessary to achieve day-to-day safety for the increasing number of Canadian children and families coping with severe allergies that can cause deadly allergic reactions.”

     Ms. Paskey explains that, in the months to come, CAI will meet with MPs sitting on the Health Committee and will continue the dialogue with the Minister of Health and her staff. There are plans to host an information meeting to ensure all Parliamentarians receive the latest news relating to Motion 230. Also, as a stakeholder, CAI continues to engage Health Canada in the improvement of allergen labeling regulations.

To read the press release in its entirety, click onto the CAI’s website – here. 

Anaphylaxis is a medical condition describing people with severe, life threatening allergies.  Reactions are rapid in onset and may cause death without immediate treatment. Signs of an anaphylactic reaction include difficulty with breathing; swollen lips, eyes, tongue and/or throat; itchy rash, blotches and welts; stomach pains and vomiting; and light-headedness and fainting due to a drop in blood pressure.

(ed. – Yes, these pictures are disturbing; however, the reality of a person suffering an anaphylactic reaction is disturbing.) 

SOURCE: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/anaphylaxis-10/anaphylaxis-rm-quiz

SOURCE:  http://foodservicegateway.com.au/archives/2402

SOURCE:  http://www.allergyclinic.co.uk/anaphylaxis.htm

All families supporting a loved one who copes with anaphylaxis have the same dream – that one day there will be a cure for (or greater relief for) severe allergies.  This will only happen through medical research.

It is this common family dream that prompted the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative to call on the federal government to provide a long term commitment to allergy research. We support a strategic response from our government and more dollars for allergy research.  We also want to see development of standardized and evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis, management and treatment of food allergies and anaphylaxis needs.   We want to see further sharing of allergy data with medical teams that are conducting anaphylaxis research around the world. Every month there seems to be a new announcement from Britain, Australia, or from an American medical lab – and all of this research news fuels the hope that a “cure” will be found to eliminate anaphylactic reactions. 

Just last week, there was fantastic news regarding research in Canada. It was great to hear of the announcement awarding AllerGen $36.5 million in long-term funding to continue its work focused on allergies.  AllerGen’s recent advances include improving asthma diagnosis and predicting attacks, unravelling the genetic connections to allergies and asthma, and revealing the impact of socio-economic factors on the development of the immune system.

At the March 23rd announcement ceremony, Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, stated:  “AllerGen’s research will help improve the lives of millions of Canadians suffering from the complications of allergic diseases through innovation.”

Judah Denburg, Scientific Director and CEO of AllerGen stated: “Over the next seven years, AllerGen aims to focus on commercialization and knowledge mobilization activities. AllerGen’s research and development efforts will also create new “high value” jobs, prepare the next generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and experts to fill them, and leave international legacies of socio-economic benefits and improved quality of life for individuals and their families living with allergies, asthma and anaphylaxis.”

To read the full press release and background note, click here.

To learn more about AllerGen and what this organization does, click here.

Tremendous news for Canadian anaphylaxis research!  We all dare to dream!

St. Valentine’s Day 2011 was particularly sweet for families dealing with severe food allergies. On that day, the Federal Government announced new food labelling regulations related to allergens.  With food labelling as one of the organization’s 5-policy points, the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative was asked to be present at the announcement.  Here is a short summary of the issue and relevant links to learn more about the Canadian Government’s response to the food labeling concerns of a growing segment of the population dealing with food allergies.

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, held a special Ottawa press conference to announce regulations to strengthen Canada’s labelling of food allergens and gluten sources. The new regulations will require additional labelling and strengthen the labelling requirements to require clearer language and the declaration of otherwise “hidden” allergens, gluten sources, and sulphites. These regulations were the result of years of consultative work between Health Canada officials, Canadian food industry sector and leading allergy experts.

Our family’s St. Catharines MP Rick Dykstra was present at the press conference and stated, “Families across Niagara have told us that clear and accurate food labelling is crucial for the safety of their children.  And by taking these steps, our government is ensuring that parents will have the information they need to make the correct choices for their families.”

CAI families thank MPs Dean Allison, Rick Dykstra and Ron Cannan for their part in ensuring this initiative moved forward without further delays. We appreciated working with you and playing a part in the announcement.  

Federal Government’s February 14^th press release and policy backgrounder

CAI spokesperson Chris George’s remarks at the announcement

With Thanks to Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq (photos at event)

Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative:  www.cai-allergies.ca

Since the announcement the CAI has been one of many leading stakeholders in consultation with Health Canada to ensure these regulations are properly and effectively implemented. CAI families are also commenting on how the regulations can be strengthened to consider “may contain” labelling, and how they must be responsive to the on-going changes in food packaging and product manufacturing.

Photo:  Federal Minister of Health, Hon. Leona Aglukkaq and MP Dean Allison with Alexander and David George at the announcement event 

Since its establishment in Fall 2010, the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative has found Members of Parliament supportive. CAI spokespersons have urged MPs to become more aware and to share their experiences with severe allergies. With the support of MPs and government officials, we 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).  Through great awareness efforts, MPs and officials will be more prepared to make policy decisions regarding allergies and the public will be more intuned as to why measures must be taken to reduce the risk of unnecessary, severe allergic reactions.

CAI representatives were featured speakers at a Dec 7, 2010 Parliament Hill luncheon meeting. More than 20 elected representatives heard first hand accounts from mothers on what it was like to care for a loved one with anaphylaxis. At this meeting, the CAI unveiled its five point policy, containing the priority items for action by the federal government. Since this meeting, those same five points have been central to all discussions with MPs and Ottawa officials.   

CIA is asking for our federal government to consider a coordinated approach to its health and safety responsibilities, to public education and to support the necessary research to find the root causes and, ultimately, a cure for severe allergies. It is also asking for better allergen labeling regulations and the introduction of safety regulations for public transportation, particularly air travel.  For more information on the CAI’s five point policy agenda, view their webpage.

One tangible step to raise awareness on Parliament Hill was taken by MP Dean Allison – and his moving of a motion in the House of Commons:

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.

This action precipitated a MPs debate on March 21st of last year. Speaking to the motion in the House were Niagara Region’s MPs Dean Allison and Rick Dykstra, as well as then-health critic for the NDP, Halifax MP Megan Leslie and a strong BC supporter, MP Ron Cannan. Also speaking that day were former MPs (defeated in the 2011 election), then-health critic for the Liberals, MP Ujjal Dosanjh, BQ MP Eve-Mary Thai Thi Lac as well as Yukon MP Larry Bagnell.

It is significant that the March 21st Parliamentary exchanges resulted in a consensus around the CAI’s five policy points as a reasonable and responsible course of action for MPs’ consideration of anaphylaxis. (To view a detailed background on the CAI policies, read this document.)  Though the anaphylaxis awareness motion was lost with the dissolution of Parliament and the call of the federal election, this House of Commons debate does achieve three important things:

       1) The debate itself is a point of reference for MPs and Ottawa officials on the degree of support there is for action on anaphylaxis issues;

       2) The 5-point policy of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative is established as the central focus of debate for MPs’ approach to the issues involving anaphylaxis.

       3) There was all-Party support expressed for the motion and for the approach suggested by the CAI’s 5-points

As a post-script to this debate, MP Dean Allison re-introduced the anaphylaxis awareness motion in the new (and current) Parliament in June 2011. Motion M-230 is now the subject of activities and further debate in this 41st Parliament.

For more information on the CAI and its activities on Parliament Hill, visit its website – www.cai-allergies.ca

Photo (l to r) – CAI spokespersons Chris George, Cindy Paskey, and Debbie Bruce with MP Dean Allison in his Ottawa office.

Anaphylaxis is serious, potential deadly – yet, it often seems that people wish to ignore facts. In Canada, those with this medical condition are increasing in numbers; as are the health care costs of treating anaphylactic attacks. FACT:  Anaphylaxis is an issue that is not going to go away. Would it not seem reasonable, therefore, that our society consider reasonable steps to reduce the risks of anaphylactic attacks?

I recall many meetings around a kitchen table, discussing the fact that “if only people knew more about the seriousness of anaphylaxis, we might get somewhere.” From these repeated discussions, a group of families has banded together with a mission to make our country’s decision-makers more knowledgeable about the life-threatening allergies. We want people to know more about how our loved ones must cope – and the simple, considerate steps that can be taken to reduce the risks of unnecessary allergic reactions.

The Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative was born out of the hope that Ottawa decision-makers, once aware of the possible ways of reducing risks for those with severe allergies, will be prompted to act.  We believe there are a few ways to achieve our results:

1. Raise awareness with MPs and the Parliament Hill community (our law makers);

2. Support MPs with their dealings within bureaucracy (our policy makers); and,

3. Respond to current affairs re anaphylaxis (to impact Ottawa’s decision making process).

With our initial activities, local Niagara and Mississauga MPs have been supportive in opening doors in Ottawa. Particularly, we thank MPs Dean Allison and Rick Dykstra, who helped us early on by providing important opportunities to further dialogue on Parliament Hill and within Ottawa bureaucracy.

I want to also take this opportunity to encourage anyone interested in the many issues involving anaphylaxis awareness to learn more about CAI. We have five policy points that represent important steps Ottawa can take in finding solutions for reducing anaphylaxis incidents.

1. Federal Government Coordination

2. Coordinated Awareness Campaigns

3. Long Term Commitment to Research

4. Improved Allergen Labeling

5. Improved Transportation Safeguards

This Spring, CAI issued a press release that outlines the current focus of its activity in Ottawa.  

Contact the CAI and let us know of your support.

March 21^st marked the one-year anniversary of a special House of Commons debate on the health condition “anaphylaxis” – life-threatening allergies – that occurred in Ottawa. For those who have followed our advocacy work on anaphylaxis, you will know a group of volunteer families has been working for years with MPs to help raise awareness of what can be done to reduce the risk of unnecessary anaphylactic incidents for Canadians.

Those families involved with Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) were thrilled a year ago when Niagara Glanbrook MP Dean Allison kicked off a debate on his Parliament motion to raise awareness for severe, life-threatening allergies. MP Allison has been instrumental in introducing realistic proposals to improving the federal government’s involvement with making Canada a safer place for those Canadians coping with anaphylaxis.

To mark the anniversary, By George Journal will feature five articles this week on anaphylaxis and the CAI’s approach to working with Members of Parliament, Health Canada, and other departmental officials in Ottawa.

The CAI is looking for your feedback on this matter and we ask you to contact us at cai.allergies@gmail.com with your feedback and any suggestions for moving our goals forward. For more information on the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative, please visit the website: http://cai-allergies.ca/

Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) is a family affair that has at its core concerned mothers – Debbie Bruce, Gladys Vergis-Mayo, Cindy Paskey and Mindi Ferkul. These four mothers work tiredlessly at the many CAI volunteer activities.

The George Family is so pleased to be a part of the CAI and its efforts on behalf of our children and loved ones who have severe, life-threatening allergies. We are pleased to be working with families across Canada who are raising anaphylaxis issues with MPs and federal bureaucrats.

Currently we are urging people to connect with their MPs – and you can learn more about how to help the CAI cause on its website:  http://cai-allergies.ca/

What are the issues? There are the 5-policy points: http://cai-allergies.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/CAI_5points.pdf

Most recently, the popular OneSpot Allergy blog, written by Elizabeth Goldenberg, posted an article on the initiative – The CAI Requests Your Help .  Read it here:  http://blog.onespotallergy.com/2011/11/the-canadian-anaphylaxis-initiative-requests-your-help/

Anaphylaxis is a very serious matter for tens of thousands of Canadian families – including a rising number of children with serve allergies to peanuts, nuts, milk and other allergens. You can help this awareness effort that is aimed at making our society more informed and safer. Contact the CAI and get involved.

Visit:   http://cai-allergies.ca/