Ottawa – The Government of Canada is taking action to improve and speed up support for Veterans suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), says Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown.

Based on the latest medical research, the government has made changes so that Veterans affected by ALS obtain the help and support they need and deserve faster than ever before. These Veterans will now be able to receive disability benefits, treatments and home care support. These services are greatly needed by Veterans and their families who are affected by this devastating disease. For example, they will now be eligible for adapted wheelchairs, medical resources, housekeeping services and more.

ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that causes the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the nerve cells die, people with ALS lose control of their muscles, which makes breathing, eating and even smiling almost impossible. Eighty percent of those diagnosed will die within two to five years.

“Canada owes a huge debt of gratitude to all of those who have chosen to wear a uniform,” said MP Brown. “We will never renege on our promise to repay that debt and this is one further way in which we can help."

Helping Veterans with ALS is one of several steps the Canadian Government is taking to improve care and benefits for Veterans. Other key steps include increasing income support to Veterans who have been seriously injured during their service. This covers Veterans who are recovering from injury, as well as those whose injuries are permanent.

For more information on services and benefits for Canadian Forces members and Veterans, visit veterans.gc.ca.