Politics

Lisa Raitt makes emotional statement on World Alzheimer's Day

Conservative MP Lisa Raitt made an emotional statement in the House of Commons to mark World Alzheimer's Day. Raitt's husband was recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Raitt's husband, Bruce Wood, was recently diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's

Raitt makes emotional statement on Alzheimer's

8 years ago
Duration 1:20
Conservative MP Lisa Raitt, whose husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's this year, makes an emotional statement in the House to bring awareness to World Alzheimer's Day.

Conservative MP Lisa Raitt used her member's statement in the House of Commons Wednesday to make an emotional tribute marking World Alzheimer's Day.

Raitt's husband, Bruce Wood, was recently diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's.

"The more we talk about Alzheimer's and the more knowledge that we share, the quicker we will get past the stigma and get to the people affected by this disease the support and the care they need," Raitt said.

"So today, Mr. Speaker, in recognition of World Alzheimer's Day, I want to pay tribute to the caregivers, the service providers, to the advocates in each and every province and territory across this great country, whose work it is to lessen the burden of those suffering from this disease."

Raitt paused and continued, visibly choked up.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart."​

Raitt and Wood were married over the summer.

Wood is the president and CEO of the Hamilton Port Authority.

Raitt, a high-profile cabinet minister in the previous Conservative government, has been considering a run for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada.