November 24, 2010

Hon. Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6

Dear Minister,

I am writing you about the issue of bedbugs. Bedbugs are a huge problem in my riding of East Vancouver, and indeed across Canada.

Reports of bedbug infestations have been on the rise for the last twenty years, and we need a national strategy to address this. Bedbug infestations cause stress and negative health effects, and are often hard to address. Many people have chronic infestations, which can cause financial hardship as well as ongoing stress.

I have responded to many constituents’ concerns on this issue, and have held meetings in the Downtown Eastside. I have urged Health Canada to get involved, to help solve this most urgent problem. Bed bug infestations are particularly hard for people living in single rooms, and with low incomes, as they have no resources (such as new bedding, vacuums, washing machines, or the ability to hire decontamination companies) to cope with the problem.

Can you tell me what Health Canada has done to address bedbugs, and whether a national strategy to address this issue will be forthcoming?

Sincerely,

Libby Davies, MP
Vancouver East