Debbie Bruce is a founding member and currently serves as the Director of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI). Through collaboration with MP Dean Allison, the CAI successfully advocated for the passage of Anaphylaxis Motion M-230 in the House of Commons on May 22, 2013. This motion emphasizes the importance of addressing anaphylaxis as a significant concern for a growing number of Canadians, urging the government to take necessary measures to uphold their quality of life. 

Anaphylaxis Motion M-230 “That in the opinion of the House, anaphylaxis is a serious concern for an increasing number of Canadians and the government should take the appropriate measures necessary to ensure these Canadians are able to maintain a high quality of life.” 

Debbie has dedicated 30+ years collaborating with schools, communities, businesses, the media and all levels of government, to raise anaphylaxis awareness, increase understanding of the condition and implement risk reduction measures, in order to promote inclusion and reduce the incidents of accidental, life-threatening medical emergencies, to ensure those with life-threatening allergies are able to maintain a high quality of life. 

Debbie’s expertise draws on a strong background in the packaged goods industry – on the production, purchasing and marketing sides. As Product Manager for SugarTwin artificial sweetener (a trend setter as the first product labelled sugar free), Debbie worked with the medical community, Health Canada to ensure government compliance and supply chain contributors.  

Debbie’s expertise has been instrumental in achieving impactful outcomes. Notable achievements include: 

• Introduction of EpiPens on Mississauga/Peel fire trucks (May 2013) 
• Establishment of peanut/nut-reduced seating at Toronto Blue Jays games (2008 to 2020) 
• Collaboration with the Ontario Government to secure OHIP+ coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors and asthma inhalers (2017) 
• Provision of EpiPen Emergency Safety Kits to elementary and secondary schools in partnership with Pfizer, Mississauga Fire, Peel Regional Paramedics, and Peel District School Board. 
• Stakeholder representative for Health Canada on Anaphylaxis issue with emphasis on food safety and labelling 

“With under 200 allergy specialists serving 3 million Canadians living with life-threatening allergies – 10 million Canadians living with allergic disease, there is a large responsibility on parents to be well informed. We become ‘Reluctant Advocates’. Information on anaphylaxis is complicated and often contradictory.  There are many challenges in the day-to-day reality of living with anaphylaxis, allergies and asthma and educating our communities. We cannot do it alone. It really does ‘take a village to raise a child’ with life-threatening allergies in order for them to be safely included in all aspects of life.” – Debbie Bruce