MPP Michael Mantha: Need for Lyme Disease Prevention Strategy
“Beach Ball and Canada Flags @Mindemoya Homecoming Weekend …streets were full great parade. #AlgomaManitoulin” Tweeted by @M_Mantha July 4th
News from the Park
Last week I was proud to participate in many Canada Day celebrations across Algoma-Manitoulin. New Democrats across the country partook in festivities and citizenship ceremonies from coast to coast to celebrate the 148th anniversary of the founding of our country.
Canada Day is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the shared values that make Canada such a wonderful country and great place to live. We should all be proud to be Canadian, the many important roles our country has had around the world and also recognize the need to build a more sustainable society that leaves no one behind.
“Even the Moose are coming out for Canada Day celebrations… Hwy 17 @Thessalon drive with care. ” Tweeted by Mr. Mantha (@M_Mantha) July 1, 2015
Together we can continue to build a better Canada for our children and grandchildren, a fairer and more just Canada.
I hope everyone enjoyed their local festivities and it was great to see so many of you throughout the day.
School’s now out for summer and many families are getting ready to start their vacations, head to camp, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Many of you will have noticed several local newspapers writing about the discovery of ticks testing positive for Lyme disease in the area.
- http://www.manitoulin.ca/2015/06/24/tick-found-to-be-carrying-lyme-disease-sdhu-confirms/
- http://www.thesudburystar.com/2015/06/13/tick-positive-for-lyme-disease-sudbury-health-unit
- http://www.northernlife.ca/news/localNews/2015/06/12-lyme-disease-sudbury.aspx .
Last November I introduced a motion calling for a Lyme Disease Prevention Strategy in Ontario which passed unanimously. Lyme disease is a significant and growing health issue across our province. To date the provincial government does not have a plan for Lyme, they do not have adequate medical testing and treatment, and many health practitioners are not Lyme literate.
I continue to work closely with Lyme disease organizations and have been pushing the Ministry to meet with these groups over the summer to help develop this strategy.
In the meantime, I urge you to take precautions this summer as you venture into the outdoors. Ensure you are using proper protection and tick repellant and check yourselves and your loved ones for ticks.
As always, please feel free to contact my office about this issue, or any other provincial matters. You can reach my constituency office by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710/1-800-831-1899.
MPP Michael Mantha
Algoma-Manitoulin
