Who We Are
Publicly funded health care in Canada is meant to provide equitable access to medically necessary treatment for people who need it—regardless of our income or where we live.
However, unlike physician care and hospital care, Canadians do not have universal coverage for drugs. Canada’s patchwork of federal and provincial drug insurance for life-threatening illness results in inconsistent standards and levels of care. These gaps threaten the lives of thousands of Canadians suffering from catastrophic diseases and conditions.
The Campaign to Control Cancer exists to address this issue specific to cancer – the biggest killer of Canadians. We are a coalition of people from all walks of life who are concerned about cancer: doctors, nurses, technicians, social workers, professionals and survivors.
We share a passion for our cause, a dedication to our mission, and a common goal: saving lives today and in the future by controlling cancer through knowledge, change and action.
What We’ve Done
2005 – The 1st National Plan to Control Cancer
In 2005, for the first time ever, the diverse community of Canadian cancer organizations united behind a single purpose: to put our collective power behind creating and implementing a national plan to control the disease.
Our aggressive high-profile advertising campaign captured the attention of key decision makers across Canada, inspiring outrage and calls for action.
As a result, in 2006 the federal government responded with a $260 million commitment to fund and implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control: a national plan to reduce the expected number of cancer cases, improve quality of life for those affected and to lessen the likelihood of Canadians dying from cancer.
2008 – The 1st Provincial Cancer Day of Action
On May 14th, 2008 more than 400 volunteer cancer professionals, advocates, patients and grassroots members of the C2CC met with hundreds of provincial elected officials and staff in Victoria-British Columbia, Edmonton-Alberta, Regina-Saskatchewan, Toronto-Ontario, Quebec City-Quebec and Fredericton-New Brunswick.
Canada’s 1st Cancer Day of Action made a powerful impact in how the politicians view this disease. Many elected officials shared stories of their own personal journey with cancer – loved ones, friends, colleagues in provincial governments – everyone had a cancer story. Elected officials also heard a common call to action to implement a national catastrophic drug coverage plan.
2009 – The 1st Global Conversation About Cancer
In 2009, more than 2,300 people participated in groundbreaking conversations around the world as part of the Campaign to Control Cancer – Go Public initiative to uncover people’s awareness, experiences, and perspectives on cancer and cancer control. These conversations allowed people from all walks of life to share their experiences with cancer and provided participants an opportunity to influence decision-makers and contribute on a global scale. The Campaign to Control Cancer – Go Public initiative helped to confirm the first United Nations General Assembly on Non-Communicable Disease – cancer, heart disease, diabetes – which will be held in September, 2011.
2009 – The 1st Global Leadership Forum for Cancer Control
In September 2009, cancer leaders and community organizers from 21 countries gathered for Go Public the First Global Leadership Forum for Cancer Control, an international conference aimed at uniting global efforts to increase public involvement in cancer control. During the meeting in Ottawa, Canada, Go Public provided a comprehensive program of plenary presentations and speakers from outside the traditional cancer control disciplines. Presentations focused on a variety of topics, including:
- The economic, social, and personal impacts of cancer
- The need for leadership changes in the cancer community to build more effective, co ordinated, and strategic alliances
- The impact of social media on raising awareness of cancer issues
- Mobilizing the high-impact/connected communities of young adults with cancer
2010 – the 2nd Provincial Cancer Day of Action
November 3rd, 2010 marked the 2nd Cancer Day of Action in provincial legislatures across Canada. Our key ask to provincial officials was to seek support for the implementation of a national Catastrophic Drug Coverage program to ensure that all Canadians have equal and equitable access to life-saving drugs. In BC, Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia, politicians indicated their support and committed to helping ensure the federal government took action. A report of the Cancer Day of Action was sent to all elected officials and you can download the report at http://www.controlcancer.ca/storage/cda2010/cda-national-report-web.pdf
2011 – WHAT WE”RE DOING RIGHT NOW
The catastrophic drug coverage program was approved for implementation by the First Ministers in 2004 as part of the National Pharmaceuticals Strategy. Differences of opinion on the cost-sharing arrangement between the federal government and the provinces and territories have since stalled progress. The Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology, the Canada Health Council, the Canadian Cancer Society and many leading health organizations are calling for the federal government to take urgent action now.
By acting now, during the federal election campaign we can move this critical initiative forward—and take a step closer to ensuring all Canadians have access to the fair and timely treatment they may need to save their lives.
During the 2011 federal election you can help make a national drug insurance plan a reality for all Canadians.
Here’s what you can do:
Stay connected with us and join the conversation by following us on twitter as C2CC continues its efforts to tell candidates and elected officials that where Canadians live shouldn’t determine if they live.
You can also connect with your local candidates – ask them what their plan is for addressing catastrophic drug coverage and perhaps most importantly, share your stories.
