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.
