St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – November 29, 2024 Petition e-5186, a critical initiative led by The Heather Cutler Foundation, has been authorized by the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, MP for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl and Minister of Labour. This significant step moves the petition to the Clerk of Petitions for further review.
The petition proposes actionable measures to improve pancreatic cancer care in Canada, where the disease continues to have a survival rate of only 10% over five years. It emphasizes equitable access to genetic testing, clinical trials, and life-saving treatments for all Canadians, irrespective of geography or financial circumstances.
Key Objectives of Petition e-5186
The petition highlights urgent changes needed in Canada’s healthcare system:
• National Testing Guidelines: Standardize genetic and somatic testing protocols and ensure full government reimbursement for early detection and effective treatment.
• Clinical Trial Accessibility: Reduce travel and lodging costs for patients and caregivers, ensuring equity for those in rural and underserved areas.
• Expedited Drug Approvals: Implement clear timelines for funding negotiations for advanced treatments, such as Onivyde, with transparency in decision-making.
• Decentralized Clinical Trials: Support Health Canada’s CRAFT framework to increase trial availability in remote and underserved regions.
The Leadership of Seamus O’Regan
Minister O’Regan, known for his commitment to systemic healthcare reform, has championed several initiatives to address healthcare disparities, including:
• A $256 million healthcare agreement focused on mental health services, primary care access, and health data modernization.
• A $78 million Aging with Dignity agreement to improve senior care and provide culturally appropriate services for Indigenous communities.
• Advocacy for rural and underserved communities, addressing longstanding inequities in access to care.
“Pancreatic cancer patients deserve equitable access to advanced testing and treatment,” said Christopher Cutler, Founder of The Heather Cutler Foundation. “Seamus O’Regan’s leadership aligns with the urgent need for systemic change in Canada’s healthcare system.”
About The Heather Cutler Foundation
The Heather Cutler Foundation, inspired by Heather Cutler—a registered nurse with over 35 years of service—is dedicated to addressing inequities in pancreatic cancer care. Heather’s journey as both a caregiver and patient revealed gaps in Canada’s healthcare system, particularly in smaller provinces, inspiring the foundation’s mission to create systemic change.
The foundation’s accomplishments include:
• Raising over $14,000 for pancreatic cancer research through campaigns like Craig’s Cause #KickingPancreAS.
• Collecting over 800 signatures in support of petition e-5186.
• Partnering with the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition to strengthen advocacy efforts.
By focusing on action-oriented solutions, the foundation continues to push for a future where all Canadians impacted by pancreatic cancer have access to the care they need.
Media Contact
Christopher Cutler
The Heather Cutler Foundation
(647) 221-6247
