Speaking Notes for the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq Minister of Health - 5^th World Aids Day Gala

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Check Against Delivery

Good evening everyone.

I would like to thank the Canadian AIDS Society for inviting me to this gala event. I also want to commend them for their years of service raising awareness and improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Tonight we honour the dedicated members of this community who work to prevent HIV/AIDS, reduce the stigma attached to this disease and help people get the treatment they need. The remarkable strides made in Canada over the past three decades are, in large part, because of your efforts.

The Government of Canada believes in the power of volunteers and grass roots organizations. That's why we're investing more than $53 million to support community-based organizations in their efforts to address HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

This money will support almost 180 new projects that are based on specific local needs. Going forward, community funding will remain a central part of the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada and the Hepatitis C Program. 

These investments will benefit people across the country and Aboriginal populations, in particular, who experience higher than average rates of HIV/AIDS.

This summer I was proud to work with the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network and other indigenous groups to help bring the issue of Aboriginal AIDS to the forefront of the International AIDS Conference in Washington. This was the first time the impact of HIV/AIDS on Indigenous communities has been given such high profile on the international scene.

Here at home, there is still much work to be done. That's why Health Canada is working with its partners to improve programming and services related to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and related co-infections for Aboriginal peoples living on-reserve. 

It's also why, earlier today, I announced $3 million for the support of two community-based HIV/AIDS research centres - one of which will examine the HIV burden facing Aboriginals and unite the Aboriginal health and HIV research communities in Canada.

The centres will be led by Sean Rourke of the Ontario HIV Treatment Network and Renée Masching from the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network who are both with us this evening. I offer you both my best wishes for success in the important work you are undertaking.

I also announced an additional $10 million which will support new research teams that will investigate HIV and its link to other health issues, specifically related to aging and mental health. This research aims to improve the overall health of Canadians living with HIV.

I am pleased that five national NGOs have partnered with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on this work - one of which is the Canadian AIDS Society.

There's no question we've made great gains here in Canada over the past three decades. However, there's obviously still work to be done, and that's why it's so important to recognize the efforts of people who are working hard to keep pushing towards the goal of a generation free of HIV/AIDS.

Before closing, I would be remiss if I didn't mention John Plater - a champion, advocate and a luminary who shed light on this important issue.

I had the pleasure of meeting John in his role as co-chair of the Ministerial Advisory Council on the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada. But what he will truly be remembered for is his work as a tireless defender of people living with HIV, AIDS and hepatitis C.

Canada is indebted to John, which is why we are honouring him tonight with a Diamond Jubilee Medal. The legacy he left behind will be an inspiration to many for years to come.

I congratulate and thank each and every one of you for your work and all of the recipients of the Diamond Jubilee Medals that will be awarded later tonight.

Thank you.