WHEREAS Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories wish to acknowledge the profound grief experienced by families who suffer the death of a small child, infant or preterm baby;
AND WHEREAS this devastating tragedy often occurs suddenly, without warning, as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accident, or other causes or complications;
AND WHEREAS SIDS is the number one cause of death in Canada for healthy infants under the age of one;
AND WHEREAS the tragedy of pregnancy and infant loss, which exacts a terrible emotional toll, may be preventable in some instances;
AND WHEREAS the 15th day of October is
recognized in parts of Canada, and in many other jurisdictions around the world, as a day of remembrance and awareness of pregnancy and infant loss;
AND WHEREAS increased awareness of the causes and impacts surrounding pregnancy and infant loss may lead to greater understanding, support and resources in communities across the Northwest Territories;
AND WHEREAS a day of remembrance honours the lives of children taken far too soon and supports grieving parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members whose lives are forever altered by the heartbreak of losing a child;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that the Legislative Assembly resolves to formally observe October 15th as a special day of awareness and
remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss in the Northwest Territories.