By Pauline Tardif, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Canada

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Voting day is arriving soon. No matter which party forms government, it’s vital that dementia remains a top priority.

Each year, dementia costs the Canadian economy and health-care system more than $10.4 billion. And our population is aging – the number of Canadians living with dementia today will nearly double in less than 12 years. We simply can’t afford to ignore the cost of dementia.

But here’s the good news: we can do something to reduce the impact of dementia on Canadians. Last June, the Government of Canada released the country’s first-ever national dementia strategy: A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire.

The strategy focuses on three priorities:

1. Prevent dementia,
2. Advance therapies and find a cure, and
3. Improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and their caregivers.

If we want to make any progress on these objectives, we need a fully-funded strategy. The federal government’s initial commitment of $50 million is a down payment. More money will be needed to deliver on the strategy’s bold commitments.*

Here is how you can help.

By writing letters to the candidates running for election in your riding, you can let them know that you will be voting with dementia as a top priority.

Make your voice heard! It’s important to tell your candidates that Canada needs a fully-funded national dementia strategy.

Warm regards,

Pauline Tardif

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*The 2019 federal budget set aside $50 million over five years to support implementation of the strategy. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has requested that this funding be increased to $150 million. Please check out our guide to the national dementia strategy to learn more.