OTTAWA, ON –
Following Monday’s federal election, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada and all members of Canada’s newly elected Parliament. CCS has a long history of advocating to all levels of government for healthy public policies on behalf of Canadians affected by cancer. “We look forward to working with all parties in the new Parliament,” says Kelly Masotti, Director, Public Issues, Canadian Cancer Society. “With 1 in 2 Canadians expected to develop cancer in their lifetime and over 200,000 Canadians diagnosed each year, there is a critical need to provide additional support for people living with cancer and their families. Together, we can develop a strong nationwide response to prevent cancer and to improve the quality of care available to people with cancer today and in the future.”
During their campaign, the Liberal Party proposed to extend the Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit from 15 to 26 weeks. CCS looks forward to seeing the implementation of this extension to the Sickness Benefit in addition to progress on other health priorities including health promotion, tobacco control, palliative care, access to medicines and investments in cancer research.
The Canadian Cancer Society is eager to begin working with the new government and wishes to thank members of the previous Parliament for their dedication to Canadians. Together with the former government, we advocated for plain packaging regulations for tobacco products, a national framework on palliative care, a national ban on asbestos, and an extension to caregiver benefits, all of which were successfully implemented to help improve the lives of Canadians with cancer.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.
For more information, please contact:
Nuala McKee
Manager, Public Engagement & Advocacy Communications
Canadian Cancer Society
National Office
Phone: 416-934-5324