A national policy audit and training initiative from The Advocacy Lab at The Heather Cutler Foundation
Program at a Glance
Pancreatic Cancer Policy Builders of Tomorrow is a national, youth-driven health policy initiative delivered virtually over three months. The program engages a select cohort of Canadian post-secondary students to critically examine systemic gaps in pancreatic cancer care, focusing on clinical trial access, biomarker testing, and interprovincial health equity.
Innovative Approaches & AI Integration
The Advocacy Lab is committed to pioneering new models for health policy research and advocacy. The program incorporates innovative methodologies, including the strategic use of advanced AI tools for literature review, data analysis, and collaborative research. Participants are encouraged to adopt and experiment with these AI platforms to efficiently synthesize complex health policy information, identify emerging trends, and generate high-impact, evidence-based recommendations. This emphasis on technological fluency ensures students are equipped with cutting-edge skills that reflect current and future best practices in policy development and advocacy.
Program Objectives
- Conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based audit of national and provincial pancreatic cancer policies and care delivery frameworks.
- Identify and analyze disparities in access to clinical trials and biomarker testing across Canada.
- Map jurisdictional differences and highlight best practices and urgent gaps within the healthcare system.
- Produce and publicly disseminate a national report featuring actionable policy recommendations.
- Present findings directly to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health and key sector stakeholders.
- Advance the next generation of health policy leaders through robust mentorship and interdisciplinary training.
Who Should Apply?
- Highly motivated students enrolled in Canadian universities and colleges (all academic disciplines eligible).
- Candidates with demonstrated interest or background in health policy, public health, biomedical sciences, political science, law, or advocacy.
- Individuals committed to health equity, systems change, and evidence-informed policy development.
Program Structure
- Onboarding & Training: Orientation in pancreatic cancer epidemiology, policy frameworks, and research methodologies.
- Policy Research & Audit: Teams conduct rigorous policy reviews, data analysis, and comparative studies across jurisdictions.
- Mentorship & Review: Participants receive structured, phase-based feedback from professionals in health research, public policy, and advocacy.
- Stakeholder Speaker Series: Engagement with leading experts from organizations such as CanReview, Pancreatic Cancer Canada, and Cancer Action Now.
- Report Drafting: Collaborative authorship of a national audit report with clear, evidence-based recommendations.
- Parliamentary Presentation: Formal presentation of research findings to federal policymakers and dissemination to non-profit and health sector audiences.
Key Deliverables
- Open-access National Audit Report: Detailed findings and recommendations addressing systemic barriers in pancreatic cancer care.
- Stakeholder Maps and Dashboards: Visual tools illustrating policy, access, and equity gaps across Canada.
- Targeted Policy Briefs: Concise recommendations for legislators and decision-makers.
- Presentation to Parliament: Direct engagement with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.
Program Outcomes
- Greater youth engagement and capacity in national cancer policy and advocacy.
- Heightened awareness among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners regarding disparities in trial and biomarker access.
- A scalable model for community-based, youth-led health policy audits.
- Broad dissemination of findings to government, academic, and non-profit partners.
- Enhanced research, analysis, and communication skills for all participants.
Foundation Background
The Heather Cutler Foundation is a national, volunteer-led organization dedicated to advancing outcomes for Canadians affected by pancreatic cancer. The Foundation’s work encompasses public engagement campaigns, community-led research, grassroots advocacy, and coalition-building. As a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition and Cancer Action Now, the Foundation leverages local and global networks to drive evidence-informed policy change and improved patient outcomes.
Program Timeline
- Duration: June–August 2025 (three months, virtual format)
- Location: Canada-wide (fully online)
- Led by: Foundation staff and cross-sector mentors
Sustainability & Future Directions
Pancreatic Cancer Policy Builders of Tomorrow is the flagship initiative of The Advocacy Lab at The Heather Cutler Foundation. Beginning with a select cohort, future programming will expand to offer annual summer cohorts with increased intake, providing opportunities for a greater number of students to participate each year. This approach will enhance national reach and continue to strengthen Canada’s network of youth health policy leaders, amplifying the Foundation’s evidence-informed advocacy efforts for systemic change.
Contact & Further Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://heathercutler.ca
- Detailed program description, eligibility criteria, and application details available online.
Advancing health equity and systemic change in pancreatic cancer care through rigorous policy research, technological innovation, and youth leadership.