The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, on May 9, 2002 introduced in the House of Commons an Act Respecting Assisted Human Reproduction. The proposed legislation will govern the use of embryonic stem cells in health research.

The ALS Society of Canada (along with MDAC and the Parkinson's Society) welcomes the Minister's proposed legislation.

WHAT THE ALS SOCIETY IS DOING
The ALS Society of Canada, in partnership with MDAC and Parkinson's, has already indicated support of this legislation by issuing a joint press release (click here). We will capitalize on key opportunities to indicate our support. We are also co-ordinating the following advocacy effort.

WHAT ANY CANADIAN CAN DO
Those in the ALS network in Canada can play a critical role in influencing the passing of this legislation in one of two ways:

1. A PERSONAL VISIT TO YOUR MP - Between May 13 and 17, members of Parliament will be in their ridings. This is a fine opportunity to have a face to face meeting to present your view. Call the constituency office and make an appointment. If possible go in a group of two or three, with someone directly affected by ALS. Invite one person to take notes.

   The following resources to assist you in making your visit as effective as possible

   1. Health Canada site
      
      • Press release
        
      • Legislation - the relevant section is 40.2
        
   2. Press release from the ALS Society, MDAC and Parkinson's Society in support of the legislation in French and English.
   3. Talking points for your visit.
   4. Fact Sheets on ALS, the ALS Society and our research program to leave with your MP in French and English.
   5. Note taking sheet to use during the visit.
   6. Let us know that you are intending to visit your MP (keeping such information assists our advocacy efforts).

2. A PERSONAL LETTER TO YOUR MP - Should you be unable, for any reason to arrange a meeting, you can always write to your Member of Parliament. Remember no postage is required to mail a letter to your MP in Ottawa. Click here for resources to assist you in writing to your MP.
   1. Sample letter to your MP if you are an adult affected by ALS.
   2. Writing to your MP if you are a young person affected by ALS (an adult close to you has ALS). Letters to MPs from individuals who are directly affected by a particular issue have a huge impact when they are unique and share the individual’s personal experience.

      Letters from children and young people who have a close family member with ALS – parent, grandparent, sibling – have the unique ability to bring the personal experience to the MPs attention. It is difficult not to read a letter when written through the eyes of a young person.

      If you know of someone who might be interested in writing a letter to an MP, please encourage them to share their feelings and views. The objective of the letter is to share their experience with the MP.

      You might want to use the Adult Letter and rewrite it in your own words.

      Please ensure that their age and address is on the letter so the MP may be able to respond.

      Please mail, e-mail or fax a copy of your letter to the ALS Society (keeping such information assists our advocacy efforts).
      ALS Society of Canada,
      Advocacy Project,
      265 Yorkland Blvd., Suite 300,
      Toronto, On,
      M2J 1S5

      e-mail - Susan Graham Walker
      fax - 416-497-1256

   3. Health Canada site
      
      • Press release
        
      • Legislation - the relevant section is 40.2
        
   4. Press release from the ALS Society, MDAC and Parkinson's Society in support of the legislation
   5. Parliamentary web site where you can search for the contact information for your MP.
   6. Fact Sheets on ALS and the ALS Society research program to include with your letter.