The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is urging the federal government to take concrete action to prevent cancer and improve the lives of Canadians affected by cancer in a written submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, as part of consultations in advance of the 2021 federal budget.
In the submission, CCS recommended an extension of the Employment Insurance sickness benefit so more Canadians with cancer can get the time off work they need to get well; measures on tobacco and vaping, including higher tobacco taxes, implementation of an e-cigarette tax, and an annual tobacco strategy cost recovery fee on tobacco companies; and financial support to CCS so we can continue to provide support for people with cancer and their caregivers.
“These measures are each important steps the government can take to prevent cancer and improve the quality of life of those living with and beyond cancer,” says Kelly Masotti, vice president of advocacy at CCS. “We are focusing on these recommendations because we know they will make a difference for people facing cancer and we know the government has the ability to take meaningful steps forward on these issues.”
The pre-budget consultation period closed August 7 and will result in a report to be tabled in the House of Commons, which will be considered by the Minister of Finance in preparation of the 2021 federal budget.
Find out more about CCS’s advocacy priorities by visiting cancer.ca.