Bill 66 As Amended by Standing Committee (PDF)
This reprint of the Bill is marked to indicate the changes that were made in Committee.
The
changes are indicated by underlines for
new text and a strikethrough for deleted text.
______________
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The
Bill proclaims February 22 in each year as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day.
The Bill also proclaims the week beginning on the second third Monday of September in each year as
Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week.
Bill 66 2024
An Act to proclaim Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day and Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week
Preamble
Over one million Canadians have heart valve disease (HVD), which involves damage to one or more heart valves, interrupting the flow of blood. Without treatment, some forms of HVD can lead to major health problems including reduced mobility, stroke and heart failure, and can even lead to death.
Approximately 13 per cent of people aged 75 and over have HVD and, with Ontario’s aging population, the incidence of HVD is increasing. Cardiologists describe this as the next epidemic of heart disease.
Studies show the mortality rate in untreated severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (the most common form of HVD) is between 25 and 50 per cent per year. However, when detected early, HVD is increasingly treatable, often with minimally invasive surgery. Valve repairs and replacements can significantly improve the length and quality of life for patients with HVD.
Unfortunately, HVD symptoms vary widely between individuals and are often dismissed as normal signs of aging. While many patients with HVD may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, heart arrhythmia, dizziness, fainting, swelling of the ankles, feet or abdomen or difficulties sleeping flat due to cough or congestion, others do not have any symptoms.
Increased public awareness and early detection are significant factors in successful treatment. A simple stethoscope check can detect heart murmurs and other abnormal sounds that may indicate HVD. Regular screening is particularly critical for Ontarians at a higher risk of developing HVD, including those over the age of 60, those with a family history of HVD and those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease.
February
22 is recognized annually as HVD Awareness Day by organizations such as the
Alliance for Aging Research, Heart Valve Voice Canada and the Canadian
Cardiovascular Society. The second
full week of September is recognized The third full week of September will be recognized
annually as HVD Awareness Week by the Global Heart Hub and by HVD patient
organizations around the world, including Heart Valve Voice Canada and the
Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
By proclaiming HVD Awareness Day and HVD Awareness Week, the Province of Ontario recognizes the importance of increasing awareness about the risks and symptoms of HVD, improving the detection and treatment of HVD and supporting Ontarians living with HVD and their families.
Therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:
Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
1 February 22 in each year is proclaimed as Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day.
Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week
2
The
week beginning on the second
Monday of September third
Monday of September in each year is proclaimed as Heart Valve
Disease Awareness Week.
Commencement
3 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.
Short title
4 The short title of this Act is the Heart Valve Disease Awareness Act, 2024.