Honourable senators, today is the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. More than 2 million women and girls in developing countries are living with obstetric fistula, a hole in the vagina or rectum caused by labour that is prolonged, often for days, without treatment. Usually the baby dies. Since the fistula leaves women leaking urine or feces, it typically results in social isolation, depression and deepening poverty.

Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Syrian refugees now constitute more than 10 per cent of the population in Lebanon. In Jordan, the population has increased by 6 per cent as a result of the refugee influx. As of Monday, May 6, more than 1.4 million Syrian refugees were registered or awaiting registration in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and North Africa.

Honourable senators, today the international community is observing World Malaria Day.
In past years, I have shared heartbreaking stories about innocent children who have lost their lives to this preventable and curable disease. Today I would like to speak about the incredible work that one Canadian woman has done to combat malaria and to save children’s lives.

Honourable senators, I am pleased to speak to this inquiry regarding the contributions to innovation and research made by universities and other post-secondary institutions in Canada. As Senator Cowan pointed out in his inquiry, the partnerships that many universities and other post-secondary institutions in Canada form with the private and not-for-profit sectors are very successful in Canada and around the world.