Position Statements

Medical Advice
Parkinson Society Canada (PSC) provides credible, up-to-date information on Parkinson’s and care management. PSC does not provide medical advice. Our purpose is to meet the needs of Canadians living with Parkinson’s by enhancing their knowledge in order to make informed decisions. PSC makes referrals to health care professionals knowledgeable about Parkinson’s. A person living with Parkinson’s should speak to a health care professional before making changes to medications or care plans.

Non-endorsement
Parkinson Society Canada (PSC) will not endorse any specific product, service or enterprise. PSC will use a disclaimer or "non-endorsement" clause/statement on materials/resources.

If there is a perceived endorsement, caution will be exercised to protect PSC’s reputation and credibility. This might include, but is not limited to, pharmaceuticals, home support agencies, private care facilities, insurance companies, companies that manufacture or sell products and services.

Drugs approved by Health Canada be on provincial formularies
With medication options available for Parkinson’s disease, it is important that they be accessible to all Canadians who might benefit from them. To ensure their availability, Parkinson Society Canada supports drugs deemed safe and effective by Health Canada for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease be included on all provincial formularies.

Stem Cell Research

General Statement
Stem cell research holds promise for finding a cure and/or treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson Society Canada is committed to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease and supports stem cell research, including adult, embryonic and skin.

Position on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Parkinson Society Canada (PSC) supports the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) which became law in Canada in March 2004. The Act and its framework ensures the consistent and regulated conduct of research, which holds promise for finding treatments or a cure for Parkinson’s disease. PSC believes the Act balances respect for human life and potential for modern science. PSC acknowledges the highly sensitive and ethical issues addressed by the Act concerning embryonic stem cell research. PSC respects all points of view on this important topic. See also: Stem Cell Research Q&A

Approved by Parkinson Society Canada Board, June 5, 2009.

Stem Cell Research Q&A

1. What is the purpose of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act?
The Act, which was passed in 2004, provides a comprehensive legislative framework that governs the use of assisted human reproduction, including the use of human embryos for research.

2. What does the Act say?

The Act:
• regulates ethically-accepted practices for in vitro fertilization;
• prohibits human cloning;
• ensures research is conducted within a regulated environment; and
• establishes an Agency to oversee the legislation.

For details about Assisted Human Reproduction in Canada visit www.ahrc-pac.gc.ca.

3. Does PSC fund embryonic stem cell research?
Yes. PSC would fund embryonic stem cell research within the regulating framework and with full consent. Through PSC’s National Research Program, grants that receive the highest rating for scientific excellence and relevance to Parkinson’s are recommended for funding.

4. What if I do not want my donation to support embryonic stem cell research?
Donations to PSC can be directed to any of the four pillars of the organization: research (including psychosocial and scientific research), education, support services and advocacy.

5. Can Parkinson’s be treated by using stem cells?
Not at the present time. For most diseases, such as Parkinson’s, it is still being determined which cells will work best to repair the damaged or diseased tissue, and how to get those cells to the right place in the body (i.e., the brain).

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