OTTAWA — Former Conservative cabinet minister and current MP Rob Nicholson is getting a little help from a Liberal friend in his push for a national Alzheimer's and dementia strategy.
Nicholson, who recently introduced a private member's bill calling for a Canada-wide framework, is being supported in his efforts by Liberal MP Rob Oliphant.
Nicholson says he witnessed the devastating effects of Alzheimer's first hand prior to his father's death in 1997.
Oliphant says the issue is also personal for him -- as a United Church minister, he constantly worked with families wrestling with the disease.
The Alzheimer Society says it is pleased to see parties working together to urgently address the scourge of dementia.
It is urging all MPs to get behind the bill, suggesting a national strategy focused on research, prevention and improved care is the only solution to tackling the impact of the disease.