Prime Minister announces Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the establishment of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The purpose of this not-for-profit corporation will be to implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, a five-year plan developed by more than 700 cancer survivors and experts. 

“The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer will serve as a clearing house for state-of-the-art information about preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer,” the Prime Minister said. “Its job is to make sure that the best cancer care practices in any single part of Canada are known and available to health care providers in every part of Canada.” 

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer will operate at arm’s length from government. Its board of directors will comprise representatives from cancer stakeholder organizations; the provinces and territories; patient, family and survivor groups; Canada’s Aboriginal peoples; and the federal government.

“Make no mistake about it, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is going to save lives,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “In fact, experts are predicting the strategy could pre-empt 1.2 million new cases of cancer and prevent 423,000 cancer deaths over the next 30 years.”

As part of today’s announcement, the Prime Minister also named the chair and vice chair of the new pan-Canadian body.  Jeffrey Lozon, the president and CEO of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, will serve as the chair of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, while Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, the president and CEO of the BC Cancer Agency, will serve as its vice chair. 

The new body will be responsible for implementing the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, whose objectives are to reduce the number of new cases of cancer among Canadians, enhance the quality of life of those living with cancer, and lessen the likelihood of Canadians dying from cancer.  Canada’s New Government committed $260 million to this life-saving strategy in Budget 2006.