With 1 in 3 Canadians feeling a lack of confidence in the quality of cancer care and treatment, the non-partisan cancer caucus comes at a critical time.
OTTAWA, ON–
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) applauds the creation of the first federal all-party cancer caucus, announced today by Members of Parliament Dan Albas and Peter Schiefke. CCS hopes the cancer caucus will bring together representation from all political parties to learn more about cancer, enable Parliamentarians to better engage their constituents on cancer and help Parliamentarians advocate for governments to take steps to prevent cancer and support those living with the disease.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for Canadians and prevalence is on the rise. In a recent Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of CCS, 1 in 3 Canadians (32%) surveyed stated that they were not confident that they or a loved one would receive the quality of care and treatment they needed if they had cancer*. Action is needed to help bolster the cancer care system and support the 2 in 5 Canadians who will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
“The creation of the cancer caucus comes at a crucial time as we know that the status quo is not working for our healthcare system for people with cancer,” says Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. “Thanks to the leadership of MP Dan Albas and MP Peter Schiefke, we are seeing an emboldened effort from Parliamentarians in Ottawa to support better cancer care for everyone in Canada.”
In April, during our annual Daffodil Campaign, the Canadian Cancer Society spent a day on Parliament Hill united with people from across the country who shared their cancer experience with decision-makers. It was in part through this day of action that Parliamentarians were inspired to come together to create the first federal all-party cancer caucus.
The first meeting of the cancer caucus was held June 14. At that meeting, CCS presented to the caucus a comprehensive understanding of the state of cancer care in Canada. As the expert voice on cancer, CCS brought representatives in data, health policy and cancer support to put a national spotlight on cancer issues that have a heavy impact on the healthcare system. This meeting occurred just one month before the next Council of the Federation meeting, where Premiers will continue to discuss the allocation of healthcare dollars and ways to put healthcare on a sustainable path forward.
“We were pleased when the federal government announced new healthcare funding in the budget this year,” says Andrea. “Now, we need to ensure that cancer is prioritized as decision-makers assess how funding and resources will be allocated to areas of greatest need in our healthcare system.”
CCS will continue to engage with the leadership of MP Dan Albas, MP Peter Schiefke and the all-party cancer caucus to build momentum that will help support the over 1.5 million Canadians living with or beyond cancer.
To learn more about the Canadian Cancer Society’s key advocacy federal recommendations, please visit cancer.ca.
*The Ipsos poll was conducted for the Canadian Cancer Society, March 17-21, 2023, online, with a sample size of 2,000, and a margin of error plus/minus 2.5% 19 times out of 20.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for Canadians who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Bilton
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Cancer Society
(437) 266-2493 Ext. 23128