Rudhro Prince was like any other happy eight-year-old boy. But one thing made him different: He had asthma. In 2018, Rudhro was having a severe asthma attack. His mother, Rumi, called 911. Rudhro looked at her and said, “Mommy, I cannot breathe. I’m going to die.” Rudhro died in a coma two weeks later.

Since that tragic day, Hasan and Rumi Prince have devoted their lives to raising awareness to the severity of asthma. They say that our hard-working and tireless respiratory educators and first responders need more support.

Each year, in Ottawa, they host the Rudhro Prince Memorial Walk to raise money for Asthma Canada, CHEO, and St. Mary Elementary School. This year will be the sixth year of the Rudhro Prince Memorial Walk—on September 29—and I look forward to joining, along with many people in the community, as well as our first responders.

Every day Hasan and Rumi fight through their pain to focus on the legacy they have created for their son. No matter how dark the skies are in their world, they have never given up hope—hope that the legacy they created for Rudhro can help save the lives of others.

Today is world asthma awareness day. Today, on World Asthma Day, I recognize Asthma Canada marking their 50th anniversary, working towards their mission to enhance the quality of life for Canadians with asthma and empower them to live active, symptom-free lives. It is a day to remember Rudhro and other victims of this disease, and it’s a day for us to learn and be more aware of the severity of asthma.

Today is World Asthma Day, an important reflection on the profound impact of asthma on our communities, particularly here in Ontario, where millions grapple with this chronic inflammatory disease.

A staggering 4.6 million Canadians live with asthma, making it the third most common chronic disease in our country.

Asthma narrows bronchial tubes, leading to restricted airflow and difficulty to breathe. It’s a leading cause of emergency department visits and absenteeism from school and work.

When I work in the ER, asthma exacerbation is a common chief complaint for the patients I care for, especially our little ones—the children.

Speaker, there is nothing worse than not being able to breathe.

While some patients face severe limitations, for most, proper diagnosis and treatment can effectively manage the condition.

I would also like to highlight that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Asthma Canada—with many representatives with us here today. This organization has been a beacon of hope, support and advocacy, empowering Canadians with asthma to lead active, symptom-free lives through education, research and advocacy.

Looking ahead, Asthma Canada and the Ontario government share a vision for improved asthma care. We are committed to a future where research thrives, awareness is heightened, and health care is proactive.

That is why, earlier this year, our government expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists, enabling them to treat and prescribe asthma medications.

Today, as we commemorate this day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to supporting those affected by asthma, working hand in hand with great organizations like Asthma Canada.