By Gazette Staff
March 27th, 2026
BURLINGTON, ON
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to rise today to present a petition on behalf of residents of Burlington and citizens of Canada.
Following the tragic loss of her daughter Katie Pryla, a constituent of mine noted that connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, often go undiagnosed, despite clear clinical signs such as scoliosis, hypermobility, long limb proportions and early connective tissue complications. It can lead to unforeseen medical consequences, particularly for those who become pregnant.
Therefore, the petitioners are requesting that the Government of Canada establish national screening guidelines for Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders, especially for patients presenting with scoliosis or similar connective tissue disorders; implement national education and awareness programs for physicians, specialists and other health care professionals on identifying and managing connective tissue disorders; require genetic and cardiac screening protocols for IVF and high-risk pregnancy patients with connective tissue indicators; and support public awareness initiatives to educate Canadians on the signs and risks of Marfan syndrome and the importance of early education.
If the government were to do such things, it could help prevent the tragic and unnecessary loss of life.
I am pleased to be able to present this petition on behalf of my constituents.
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I can fully understand the needs of the parents to make this syndrome public. To lose a child is the worst nightmare any parent has to deal with.
My question is why did Karina Gould “rise today to present a petition”?
Is it not the Provincial Government that decides where medical dollars are to be spent?