Cheryl Gallant, MP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, was pleased to learn of progress made into combating genetic disorders at an event held recently on Parliament Hill. Gallant met with Kathy and Kevin O’Connor of Pembroke, constituents and parents of two boys afflicted with a rare genetic condition. The O’Connor boys suffered from an unknown disorder until Canadian researchers pinpointed the cause in August.
“Discoveries at Genome Canada affiliated laboratories have provided hope for families afflicted by genetic disorders”, said Gallant. “The strategies developed by researchers at Genome Canada will allow earlier and more effective treatment of these conditions.”
In her address to Parliamentarians, Mrs. O’Connor praised the government’s funding initiatives; making specific reference to the benefits provided under the Registered Disability Savings Plan. The plan, first introduced by the Conservative government in 2008, helps parents of children with disabilities save for the future.
“Research funding through Genome Canada and financial benefits provided by the Registered Disability Savings Plan are just two ways our government is helping Canadians families care for those with disabilities,” said Gallant.
Created in 2000, Genome Canada was given a mandate by the Government of Canada to develop and implement a national strategy for supporting large-scale genomics and proteomics research projects. The federal government has since allocated over $915 million to Genome Canada, including $4.5 million for a study which led to a diagnosis for the O’Connor boys.
To learn more about the Registered Disability Savings Plan, please contact my office or visit my website, www.cherylgallant.com