December 1, 2014 - Ottawa, ON - Health Canada
Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Mercedes Benegbi, Executive Director of the Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada.
All Canadians empathize with the pain and suffering these survivors have endured since this tragic event in the 1960's. In 1991, the Government of Canada offered a settlement to Thalidomide survivors. However, over 20 years later it is clear their health needs have changed and they require ongoing support.
Today's meeting was a step forward in building a partnership to find a solution. Our Government is committed to working with the Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada to determine how we can best support their health needs going forward.
I thank Mercedes for taking the time to meet with me and for being an incredibly strong voice for Thalidomide survivors. I look forward to continued collaboration with the Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada as we work cooperatively to ensure that victims are properly supported.
This tragic event from the 1960's was a catalyst to transform the drug safety system in Canada and reminds us why we take drug safety so seriously today.
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Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
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