On January 6 2024, the Parliament of Canada was prorogued by the Governor General. This means the current session of legislative work has been stopped. Consequently, Bill C-277 – An Act to Establish a National Strategy on Brain Injuries will no longer progress in this session.
While this outcome is disappointing, it’s important to pause and reflect on the remarkable milestones we achieved together:
- Nationwide Support: There has been a tremendous wave of advocacy and support for the Bill from Canadians across the country.
- Cross-Party Endorsement: Members of Parliament from all parties spoke in favour of the Bill, acknowledging the needs of their constituents living with brain injuries.
- Unanimous Approval: The Bill passed a unanimous vote in the House of Commons.
- Successful Committee Review: The Bill advanced through the Standing Committee on Health with minimal amendments.
- Elevated Awareness: Brain injury now holds an increased profile at the federal level, setting the stage for future action.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported this Bill throughout its journey. Your efforts, advocacy, and dedication were instrumental in advancing this cause and making brain injury a priority on the national stage.
Looking ahead, Brain Injury Canada remains firm and motivated in the fight for a National Strategy on Brain Injury. As we prepare for the next parliamentary session following the federal election that will happen at some point in 2025, we are committed to working with all political parties to ensure this critical Bill is reintroduced and passed.
Our advocacy will not stop. We will continue collaborating with the brain injury community to keep brain injury at the forefront of federal priorities—during the election, throughout the transition to the 45th Parliamentary Session, and beyond.
Thank you for your unwavering support. We will keep you updated on our progress and next steps. Together, we will see this through.
