Ottawa, Ontario - The ALS Society of Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada and Parkinson Society Canada are united in their support of the Legislation pertaining to Assisted Human Reproduction, especially as it pertains to Stem Cell Research, tabled today in the House of Commons by Health Minister Anne McLellan.

The Legislation announced today fills a void where no rules previously existed to regulate stem cell research. The Legislation, if passed, will allow federal funding of stem cell research, which many scientists believe could lead to breakthroughs in treatments for a number of diseases.

All three voluntary health organizations endorse and encourage research using embryonic and adult stem cells into the cause, treatment and prevention of ALS, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson's disease as well as other neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. This support assumes that any research conducted with stem cells satisfies the strict ethical standards outlined in the legislation.

Patients with ALS, muscular dystrophy or Parkinson's dream of a healthier, happier future free of the hardships the diseases impose. Today, the potential of stem cell research offers them more than a glimmer of hope that those dreams may come true.

"Our three organizations that support those living with Parkinson's ALS and muscular dystrophy are committed to hopeful research into these devastating diseases. Stem cell research will be enormously beneficial now and in the future," says Mary Jardine, Executive Director of the Parkinson Society of Canada. "It offers the potential for progress in finding the cure for Parkinson's, MD and ALS and for enhancing treatment for the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who have these conditions."

For 25 years the ALS Society of Canada has been funding leading research to find therapeutic approaches and a cure for ALS, a rapidly progressive fatal neuromuscular disease. In the meantime the ALS Society is committed to supporting the provision of quality care for the thousands of Canadians affected by ALS.

Since 1954, the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada has been funding leading research to find therapeutic approaches for neuromuscular disorders. Until then the Association is committed to providing vital services, information and hope to tens of thousands of Canadians affected by these disorders.

Parkinson Society Canada is the national voice of nearly 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson's. Their purpose is to ease the burden and find a cure through research, education, advocacy, and support services. Although the cause of Parkinson's is not yet known and there is no cure, research in Canada and elsewhere must focus on understanding the cause, providing improved treatment, and developing possible cures.

Susan Graham Walker
Director of Communications and Programs
ALS Society of Canada
(416) 497-2267 ext. 208
800 267-4257 ext. 208
sgw@als.ca
http://www.als.ca

George Henderson
National Manager of Communications
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada
(416) 488-0030 ext. 158
800 567-2783 ext. 158
ghenderson@mdac.ca
www.mdac.ca

Mary Jardine
National Executive Director
Parkinson Society Canada
(416) 227-9700 ext. 230
800 565-3000 ext. 230
mary.jardine@parkinson.ca
www.parkinson.ca