As pancreatic cancer continues to claim lives across Canada, The Heather Cutler Foundation, along with its over 800 signatories on Change.org is advocating for better access to care, testing, and treatment for patients, no matter where they live.
On October 15, 2024, we submitted Petition e-5186 to the House of Commons through the Our Commons platform and nominated Canada’s Health Minister, Mark Holland as the MP to authorize our petition requesting targeted reforms to the Canada’s approach to the disease that will provide more equitable access and life-saving support for pancreatic cancer patients across the country.
However, to move forward, we need Minister Holland to authorize this petition—a necessary step that will ensure it reaches Parliament for debate and further action. Every voice counts in this effort, and we invite you to join us in urging Minister Holland to support petition e-5186.
About Petition e-5186
Petition e-5186 is rooted in the need for essential changes in the Canadian healthcare system to improve pancreatic cancer survival rates. The Heather Cutler Foundation, a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC)—a global network of over 100 leading pancreatic cancer organizations—submitted this petition to spotlight critical gaps in pancreatic cancer care in Canada. The WPCC itself operates under the Global Cancer Coalition Network (GCCN), which unites nine international coalitions, representing 750 patient organizations and advocating for over 14 million cancer patients worldwide. With this broad coalition behind us, we are committed to pressing for better policies and outcomes for Canadian patients.
Petition e-5186 proposes crucial reforms to address current barriers, including:
• National Testing Guidelines: To ensure that every Canadian has access to genetic and somatic testing, critical for personalizing treatment and improving outcomes.
• Equitable Clinical Trial Access: To close the gap in clinical trial access for Canadians outside of major provinces, by introducing travel support and investing in current frameworks like the CRAFT framework and Health Canada’s upcoming proposals to modernize clinical trials. Canada’s clinical trial participation is under 10% and that’s a concern. Without participation, we cannot improve survival rates.
• Drug Approval Transparency: To call for streamlined, transparent timelines in the approval process for life-saving treatments such as Onivyde.
• Support for Clinical Trial Modernization: To champion the development of decentralized trials, ensuring all Canadians have access to cutting-edge treatments.
Why Your Voice Matters
Minister Holland is now halfway through the 30-day authorization period for petition e-5186. With nearly 800 signatures to date, this petition reflects the broad public support behind these issues, but we need to demonstrate that Canadians want action now. By reaching out to Minister Holland, you can help ensure that this petition receives the authorization it needs to advance these crucial reforms.
How to Contact Minister Holland
We’ve made it easy for you to show your support. Click the button below, or copy our email template if you prefer.
Feel free to personalize it to reflect your own perspective and support for this urgent issue, then send it to [email protected]
Subject: Please Authorize Petition e-5186 for Improved Pancreatic Cancer Care
Dear Minister Holland,
I am writing to express my support for petition e-5186, led by The Heather Cutler Foundation, and to urge you to authorize and present this petition to the House of Commons. With nearly 800 signatures so far, the petition reflects a strong public call to address the urgent issues facing pancreatic cancer patients across Canada.
The Heather Cutler Foundation, a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC)—a network of over 100 leading pancreatic cancer organizations—has highlighted critical needs in this petition. The WPCC operates under the Global Cancer Coalition Network, which unites nine international cancer coalitions, representing 750 patient organizations and advocating for over 14 million cancer patients worldwide.
Petition e-5186 addresses essential steps for improving pancreatic cancer care in Canada, including national testing guidelines, equitable access to clinical trials, streamlined drug approvals, and federal support for initiatives like Health Canada’s CRAFT framework. These measures are critical to improving survival rates and quality of care for Canadians affected by pancreatic cancer.
We are now halfway through the 30-day authorization period, and I respectfully ask that you support this important initiative. By authorizing the petition, you would help bring attention to the need for systemic reform in pancreatic cancer care and give hope to patients and families across the country.
Thank you for your consideration and for supporting this vital cause.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, Province]
Together, We Can Make a Difference
This is a crucial moment for advancing pancreatic cancer care in Canada. Every email sent to Minister Holland strengthens our message and our cause. Let’s ensure that no Canadian is left behind when it comes to life-saving care, and help make equitable access to pancreatic cancer treatment and support a reality.
Thank you for your support and for standing with The Heather Cutler Foundation in our mission. Together, we can bring lasting change and honor Heather’s legacy by advocating for those who continue to face this devastating illness.
Questions and Answers
What is the significance of the 30-day authorization period for Petition e-5186?
The 30-day authorization period is the critical window during which Minister Mark Holland must decide whether to authorize Petition e-5186. This decision will determine if the petition can move forward to be presented in Parliament, allowing for debate and potential action on its proposals.
How does the Global Cancer Coalition Network (GCCN) relate to Petition e-5186?
The Global Cancer Coalition Network unites nine international coalitions, including the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, of which The Heather Cutler Foundation is a member. This relationship amplifies the petition’s reach, representing over 750 patient organizations and advocating for more than 14 million cancer patients globally.
What specific challenges do pancreatic cancer patients in smaller Canadian provinces face?
Canadians with pancreatic cancer in smaller provinces lack access to clinical trials and advanced testing available in larger provinces. Petition e-5186 addresses these disparities by calling for equitable access to care and clinical trials nationwide, ensuring that no one is left behind due to their location.
How does Petition e-5186 propose to improve genetic and somatic testing access in Canada?
Petition e-5186 calls for national guidelines to make genetic and somatic testing accessible to all Canadians, regardless of where they live. These tests are essential for tailoring treatments to each individual’s cancer, significantly improving outcomes for Canadians with pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, The Heather Cutler Foundation will put forth recommendations ensuring accountability and ongoing progress.
What is the significance of the drug Onivyde mentioned in the petition?
Onivyde is highlighted as a life-saving treatment for pancreatic cancer that many Canadians struggle to access. The petition emphasizes the need for transparent and efficient drug approval processes to ensure timely access to additional options, or medications like Onivyde.
How does Petition e-5186 address the issue of decentralized clinical trials?
Petition e-5186 advocates and is supportive of decentralized clinical trials as part of clinical trial modernization. This approach would make cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities available to Canadians in remote or underserved areas, eliminating geographical barriers to participation.
What role does the Change.org platform play in Petition e-5186?
Change.org has been a vital tool for gathering public support for Petition e-5186, helping it gain over 800 signatures. This widespread backing underscores the urgency of addressing inequities in pancreatic cancer care and reforming the healthcare system.
How does Petition e-5186 propose to support patients who need to travel for clinical trials?
Petition e-5186 advocates for travel assistance to help Canadians with pancreatic cancer participate in clinical trials outside their home provinces. This initiative seeks to increase participation rates and ensure equitable access to life-saving research opportunities.
What is the significance of October 15, 2024 mentioned in the article?
October 15, 2024, marks the day Petition e-5186 was officially submitted to the House of Commons via the Our Commons platform. This submission represents a pivotal step in bringing attention to the urgent reforms needed in pancreatic cancer care.
How does the petition address the issue of pancreatic cancer survival rates in Canada?
It aims to improve them by advocating for better access to testing, innovative treatments, and clinical trials. These systemic reforms are essential to enhancing care quality and outcomes for Canadians living with pancreatic cancer. Once these targets are aligned with best practices we can ensure that Canada too makes progress.
