On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Parliament was officially dissolved—just shy of us seeing our petition, e-5186, reach the House of Commons floor. For our team and the thousands of Canadians who stood with us, the news came with disappointment—we had come so close. And while we’d be fibbing if we said it didn’t sting, we know better than to let one setback stop the whole show.
I’ve been thinking back lately to my junior high school years—specifically math class. Trust me, I hated math. Heather, on the other hand, didn’t hate anything nearly as much as she loved making sure I succeeded. She would plant me at the kitchen table (usually against my will), driving me to tutoring sessions and after-school help, all so I could reach that passing grade of 70%. Meanwhile, my sister, Bethany—who aimed for nothing less than perfection—would’ve spent days sulking if she came home with anything lower than a 90%.
But Heather’s belief in me never wavered, even when mine did. She knew that success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about timing, the environment you’re in, and someone believing in your potential even before you do.
Years later, I went back to upgrade my math after high school so I could apply to university. And you know what? I walked out of that final exam with a 92%. Heather had been right all along. I wasn’t failing because I wasn’t capable—I just needed the right conditions to thrive. She made sure I had them.
That’s what I’m holding onto now, and why I’m sharing this with you.
Because while this round in Parliament wasn’t our time, it doesn’t mean we weren’t ready. It doesn’t mean the issue wasn’t urgent. It just means we didn’t have enough time to cross the finish line. But we do now.
And come May 19, we’re launching our second push—refined, re-energized, and ready to meet the 500-signature threshold required for a formal government response. More importantly, we’re ready to push for what Heather always wanted: for pancreatic cancer to finally be recognized as a national priority in Canada.
Key Moments in the Timeline
- January 2024: After months of groundwork, e-5186 is submitted to the House of Commons, sponsored by MP Charlie Angus.
- Feb–Mar 2024: The petition gains momentum across Canada, reaching communities often left behind in national cancer strategies.
- March 23, 2025: Parliament is dissolved. e-5186 is withdrawn, just shy of the finish line.
