Bill 89 2012

An Act to proclaim the month of May PKU Awareness Month

Preamble

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare, genetic, metabolic disorder found in approximately 1 in 12,000 to 15,000 infants born in Canada.  PKU is observed when the body is unable to process phenylalanine, or Phe, an essential amino acid found in dietary protein.  In people with PKU, more than 500 mutations have been identified in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene, which is responsible for processing Phe in the liver.  These mutations cause a deficiency in the PAH enzyme, resulting in an accumulation of toxic levels of Phe in the blood and the brain.  If left untreated, symptoms of PKU can include mild to severe cognitive impairment and epilepsy.

By proclaiming the month of May PKU Awareness Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the many individuals who suffer from this disorder and hopes to raise awareness of PKU and its effects.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

PKU Awareness Month

   1.  The month of May in each year is proclaimed as PKU Awareness Month.

Commencement

   2.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

   3.  The short title of this Act is the PKU Awareness Month Act, 2012.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims the month of May in each year as PKU Awareness Month.