Make cancer care a priority this election
Federal elections are about setting a direction for the country. These are unprecedented times. The ongoing trade tensions and tariffs present significant challenges to governments, economies and sectors across our country. As leaders call for national unity and economic resilience in the face of these challenges, we must also safeguard one of our greatest assets - one that we all take deep pride in – our public healthcare system.
We want to ensure the needs of the cancer community have a place in this election and on the next government’s agenda. This will help eliminate disparities in access, improve patient outcomes and ensure Canada’s healthcare system remains resilient in the face of global economic pressures.
By raising your voice to support the priorities listed below you can inspire political parties and elected officials to act to make cancer care a priority.
Through our federal election priorities, we are recommending political leaders:
We call on all political parties to commit to calling a meeting of Health Ministers to develop, adopt and implement appropriate legislation to provide timely and equitable access to palliative care across Canada, including:
Recognizing palliative care as a separate and distinct right for all Canadians
Adopting national quality indicators and objectives
Collaborating with professional medical groups to increase the supply of healthcare professionals where shortages exist
We call on all political parties to make cancer care more affordable by expanding financial support programs, reducing out-of-pocket costs and making the Canada Caregiver Credit refundable.
Here’s a printable version of questions you can ask to leave by your door or by your phone. You can even bring this with you to a local debate! Download our Elections Priority Handout.
How You Can Get Involved
Voting is the #1 way you can make a difference! Go to Elections Canada to learn more about where and how to vote.
Over the course of the campaign, we will be putting together a summary of all campaign promises made related to cancer control. We will share the summary here closer to Election Day.
You can reach out to your local candidates by email or by calling their office – or raise these issues when they contact you by knocking on your door or calling you.
At the door – Candidates and their volunteers will spend most of their time during the election door-knocking. If a candidate comes to your door personally, be firm but polite. If a volunteer comes to your door, you can politely request to speak with the candidate.
Via email – Most local candidates will have an email and a website where you can reach out directly to the campaign team. Don’t forget to mention that you are a local resident. This can be done by mentioning your postal code. You could even try reaching them through a direct message on your preferred social media channel!
At local debates – Community and business associations and local media will host candidate debates during the election. You can often ask a questions to the candidates at these events.
If you hear back from your local candidates, let us know by sending along their responses to advocacy@cancer.ca
The Canadian Cancer Society sent a questionnaire to all major political parties in Canada asking about their position on pressing cancer control issues. Below are responses received to date:
Join our network of advocates who are committed to preventing cancer and improving the lives of people living with cancer and their caregivers through government action.
As a Voices for Change volunteer, you’ll be the first to know about our advocacy work and receive exclusive access to volunteer opportunities. This includes attending meetings with elected officials, building your own advocacy campaigns and raising awareness at signature events.