Advance Canada's Response to Pancreatic Cancer
Join the Heather Cutler Foundation in shaping a landmark federal submission for national change.
Express Interest by July 1, 2025
About This Initiative
The Heather Cutler Foundation is leading the development of a focused federal policy submission calling for urgent action on pancreatic cancer. This brief will advocate not only for the establishment of national guidelines for pancreatic cancer care — including evidence-based treatment pathways, incorporation of somatic testing, and alignment with the latest research — but also for equitable access to clinical trials across all provinces, improved transparency in drug approval and funding processes, and the formal recognition of pancreatic cancer as a national health priority.
The submission builds upon the objectives outlined in our federal petition, e-5186, and is informed by extensive lived experience — including the personal journey of Heather Cutler and insights gathered from patient support groups, caregivers, and broader community engagement. It reflects countless hours of research, direct input, and policy analysis, forming a grounded and evidence-based case for strengthening Canada’s response to pancreatic cancer.
Contribute Your Expertise
This federal policy submission is grounded in informed experience, drawing on transcribed peer support groups, caregiver accounts, and national community engagement. We are seeking experienced contributors from a range of disciplines to weigh in on key recommendations, strengthen evidence-based proposals, and help ensure the credibility of the final submission. Expertise in areas such as health policy, public health, healthcare research, or clinical advocacy are especially valuable, but we welcome all perspectives that can strengthen the national case for action.
Time Commitment: Flexible (10–20 hours total)
Format: Remote collaboration via digital platforms and optional virtual meetings.
Expertise We Are Seeking
Health Policy Specialists
Refining recommendations on national guidelines, trial access, and system gaps.
Healthcare Researchers
Validating findings, strengthening evidence, and supporting data-driven proposals.
Public Health Experts
Ensuring recommendations address healthcare equity, access, and impact.
Policy Writers & Reviewers
Drafting formal policy statements and reviewing clarity, credibility, and alignment.
Recognition for Contributors
All contributors will receive official volunteer certification, formal co-authorship or acknowledgment in the House of Commons submission, and résumé/LinkedIn support to showcase their role in a federal policy initiative. It's an opportunity to gain meaningful advocacy experience while advancing pancreatic cancer reform.
About The Heather Cutler Foundation
Founded in memory of Heather Cutler — a nurse, warrior, and devoted mother — The Heather Cutler Foundation is a registered Canadian non-profit advancing pancreatic cancer advocacy, research policy, and public health initiatives. As a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, we work nationally to highlight systemic gaps in care, champion equitable access to clinical trials, and call for urgent federal action.
About Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in Canada, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. Over 7,000 Canadians will be diagnosed this year, and approximately 5,500 will die from the disease. Urgent national action is needed to establish consistent testing protocols, improve access to clinical trials, fund research targeting earlier diagnosis, and modernize drug approval pathways. Without federal leadership, survival rates will continue to lag behind global progress.