Ontario 2025 Election Campaign

HI Jackie,

Thanks for making me aware of these issues.

I do take it seriously, and it hits close to home as my sister is a recent survivor.

If elected, I would love to meet with you to discuss.

Sheena.

Sheena Sharp

Votesheenasharp.ca

Candidate, Don Valley West

Green Party of Ontario

Good morning,

Yes to all! I work in the pharmaceutical industry and I understand how important cancer funding, research and screening is in Ontario. Prevention and early diagnoses is the goal in any patient.

All the best,

Janet Errygers | BAS, MEB
janeterrygers@gpo.ca
votejanet.ca

Dear Jackie,
Thank you for reaching out and for the vital work that the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) does to advocate for improved cancer care in our province. As someone who has personally walked alongside my wife throughout her cancer journey—from diagnosis to recovery, I know firsthand how critical it is to have timely and equitable access to screening, treatment, and support services.
I appreciate the thorough overview of the issues we face, from expanding lung cancer screening sites to lowering the colorectal cancer screening age. I share your commitment to ensuring that all Ontarians—regardless of geographic location, risk factors, or age—can access the care they need.
If elected, I will advocate for:
Lung Cancer Screening Expansion
Increasing the number of screening sites across the province, especially in underserved areas, so that geographic location is no longer a barrier to early detection.
Broadening eligibility criteria to include individuals exposed to radon gas or who have incidental pulmonary nodules.
Promoting awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage more people to get screened.
Self-Referral for Breast Cancer Screening Beyond Age 74
Removing the age restriction that currently prevents women 75 and older from self-referring for mammograms, ensuring that age does not limit access to life-saving early detection.
Enhancing Biomarker Testing and Precision Oncology
Expanding publicly funded comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) so that patients and their oncologists can make treatment decisions based on each individual’s unique tumor biology.
Addressing regional disparities in testing so that no one’s treatment options are limited by their postal code.
Lowering the Screening Age for Colorectal Cancer
Aligning Ontario’s screening age with updated international guidelines—such as the U.S. recommendation of age 45—to help detect colorectal cancer earlier and reduce mortality rates in younger adults.
The Green Party of Ontario (GPO) is committed to a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention, early detection, and equitable access to leading-edge treatments. By investing in programs that save lives and reduce long-term costs, we can build a healthier, more resilient Ontario.
Thank you once again for highlighting these critical issues. I look forward to working with you and the CCSN to champion a vision where no one in our province is left behind when it comes to cancer care.
Best regards,

Ali Hosny
cell: 647-687-5275

www.alihosny.ca

Green Party of Ontario
Candidate: Oakville North - Burlington

Thank you Jackie for reaching out to me.

As a Green Candidate in the Bay of Quinte Region I can tell you that with our high Lung Cancer rate I am very concerned about the issues you raise. I spent my career as a Respiratory Therapist before retiring fully in 2022 after over 30 years. Lung Cancer not only takes lives but it often goes undiagnosed for far too long. In fact one of the policies that we are working on right now as Greens is the implementation of the Ontario Building Code to prevent soil gases like Radon from entering basements across our province. This would go a long way to prevent over 1000 lung cancers per year.

I absolutely agree that women should have the ability to self refer for breast screening and imaging. This will save lives!

The third issue is also very close to my heart. My partner of 20 years passed away over 9 years ago today from a Stage 4 Colorectal cancer. He was offered the detailed screening needed and it helped to determine just what treatments might be effective. This should be available to everyone regardless of where they live. I am fully supportive of your proposal.

As you rightly stated, screenings for colorectal cancer need to be started earlier. My partner was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal cancer at the age of 50. What a difference it would have made to us both if he had received screening at age 45, most likely when his tumour was not yet metastasized. He was unaware that he had a strong family history of CRC and thus did not seek early screening. Luckily his children are able to access early screening through their family Doctors.

I am very supportive of all the measures you mentioned here. They will save lives and also years of quality of life.

Thank you for your advocacy.
Lori Borthwick
613-391-9335

Dear Jackie,
Thank you for reaching out and for your dedication to advocating for cancer patients, survivors, and their families. The statistics you shared are deeply concerning, and I fully agree that Ontario must do more to improve early detection, treatment, and support for those affected by cancer.
With my background in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science, I have seen firsthand the gaps in our healthcare system, especially for those living with chronic conditions. I know that early diagnosis, timely treatment, and comprehensive care are essential to improving outcomes and quality of life. If elected, I will push for policies that prioritize cancer prevention, screening accessibility, and equitable treatment across Ontario.
Lung Cancer Screening Expansion - Too many Ontarians face barriers to early detection, particularly in underserved and rural communities. Expanding screening sites across the province is critical, especially in Northern and rural regions where access is limited. I support broadening eligibility for screening beyond current criteria, including for individuals exposed to radon gas and those with incidental pulmonary nodules. Additionally, a provincial awareness campaign is necessary to encourage screening and reduce stigma.
Breast Cancer Screening Beyond Age 74 - Age should never be a barrier to accessing life-saving care. Self-referral for breast cancer screening beyond age 74 is a commonsense policy that would ensure women continue to receive early detection and treatment without unnecessary delays. I fully support this initiative.
Expanding Biomarker Testing & Precision Oncology - Comprehensive biomarker testing is essential for personalized cancer treatment, yet access varies across Ontario. All patients, regardless of postal code, should have access to publicly funded genomic profiling to optimize treatment plans. Expanding precision oncology initiatives will not only improve patient outcomes but also lead to more efficient healthcare spending by ensuring the right treatments are used at the right time.
Lowering the Screening Age for Colorectal Cancer - The rise in colorectal cancer among younger populations is alarming. Given that the U.S. has already lowered its screening age to 45, it’s time Ontario follows suit. Expanding screening eligibility aligns with international best practices and can prevent unnecessary deaths while reducing overall healthcare costs.
The Need for Systemic Healthcare Investment - While I fully support these cancer care improvements, I also recognize that Ontario’s broader healthcare system is struggling. Staffing shortages to surgical backlogs and underfunded hospitals. The Green Party is committed to investing in public healthcare, expanding access to diagnostic tools, and ensuring stable, long-term funding for hospitals, cancer research, and treatment programs.
I appreciate your advocacy on this issue and your engagement in this election. If elected, I will work alongside patients, survivors, healthcare professionals, and advocates to push for meaningful action in Ontario’s cancer care system.
Thank you again for your time and for sharing these important concerns. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to discuss further.
Best regards,
Karleigh Csordas
Green Party of Ontario Candidate in Brantford-Brant

Dear Jackie,

Thank you for reaching out and for the important work of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network. I appreciate the opportunity to share my position on improving cancer screening and care in Ontario. Below are my responses to your questions:

Question 1: Continuing the Expansion of Lung Cancer Screening
I recognize that lung cancer remains the deadliest form of cancer in our province, and early detection is critical. If elected, my government will commit to:
• Expanding Geographic Access: We will add new lung cancer screening sites across Ontario, ensuring that underserved regions—especially in the north—are no longer forced to travel long distances for care.
• Broadening Screening Criteria: We will expand screening eligibility to include at-risk individuals who have never smoked but are identified with incidental pulmonary nodules, as well as those with significant exposure to radon gas.
• Public Awareness: We will develop and fund a robust awareness program to educate Ontarians on the importance of early lung cancer screening and to reduce the stigma often associated with the disease.

Question 2: Continuing Self-Referral for Breast Cancer Screening Past Age 74
I firmly believe that early detection saves lives. To ensure that all women have equitable access to life-saving screenings, my government will:
• Allow women over the age of 74 to self-refer for breast cancer screening, eliminating age-based barriers that delay early detection and treatment.

Question 3: Expanding Diagnostic Testing for Precision Oncology
Precision oncology is transforming cancer care by tailoring treatment to the individual’s tumor biology. I am committed to:
• Expanding the array of publicly funded diagnostic tests, including comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), so that all advanced cancer patients—regardless of geographic location—receive the personalized care they need.
• Reducing regional inequities in biomarker testing, thereby empowering patients and oncologists to make informed treatment decisions that optimize outcomes and drive healthcare value.

Question 4: Expanding Colorectal Cancer Screening Eligibility
Given the rising rates of colorectal cancer among Ontarians under 50, it is critical that we adapt our screening guidelines to protect our younger population. My government will:
• Review and expand colorectal cancer screening eligibility criteria to align with internationally recognized recommendations, such as lowering the starting age to 45, thereby facilitating earlier detection and improved survival outcomes.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to outline my positions on these crucial issues. I remain dedicated to ensuring that our cancer care system is timely, equitable, and innovative. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or require additional details.

Sincerely,

Dear Jackie,

Thank you for your email. Cancer screening and treatment is an important issue and the shortage of family doctors in Ontario has had an impact on early detection of cancer. There have been a number of news stories about patients receiving news of their diagnosis in emergency rooms. Ontario Greens have a plan to hire 3500 more doctors in Ontario so that every person in Ontario has a primary care provider in the next 3-5 years which will aid in the early detection of cancer and in ensuring patients eligible for screening programs do not fall through the cracks.  

Our platform makes specific references to the challenges faced by rural and northern communities in accessing healthcare and commits to increased funding to address the unique challenges these communities face.  The equitable provision of lung cancer screening across the province would be supported by this. 

Ontario Greens believe in evidence-based policy. Operational considerations around criteria for accessing screening should be based on the current best available evidence from national and international bodies. As well as cost considerations, screening carries risks of false positives and the distress and anxiety these can cause are very real. The sensitivity and specificity of screening for breast and lung cancer in specific populations needs to be carefully evaluated before changes to screening criteria are made. 

Availability of biomarker testing should be uniform across the province. All Ontarians deserve the access to the same standard of care. Funding for biomarker testing should be guided by the best available evidence for the specific type of cancer someone has been diagnosed with. 

Ontario Greens would support expanding screening eligibility for colorectal cancer in line with international recommendations and guidelines. 

Take care, 

Fiona

-- 

Fiona Jager, RN PhD

2025 Green Party of Ontario Candidate

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

Dear Jackie,
On behalf of Chris Ballard, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your email and thank you for reaching out to him regarding these important issues.
Chris greatly appreciates the work of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network in advocating for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Your questions highlight critical areas of cancer prevention, screening, and treatment that deserve thoughtful attention and action.
We will review the information you have provided and ensure that Chris is fully informed on these issues as we continue engaging with the community on healthcare priorities.
Thank you again for your advocacy and for bringing these matters forward.
Best regards,
Elaine
Campaign Team for Chris Ballard

Hello Jackie,

Thank you for taking the time to write. We know our healthcare system is
broken on multiple levels. Unlike the Ford Conservative government, the
Liberals are listening and appreciate hearing from experts such as
yourself who see first hand where improvements can be made. By listening
to you, we will fix the current healthcare crisis we're facing. Under
Bonnie Crombie, a Liberal government will prioritize building the robust
healthcare system Ontarians deserve. That's a promise. As your voice in
the legislature, advocating for a better healthcare system will be a top
priority for me.

Thank you,

Ted

Hi Jackie,

Thanks for your email and for these important questions. I will answer as best as I can but, if elected, would be happy to sit down and talk more about specifics. The Ontario Liberals have made specific and costed commitments to: 1) get the 2.5 million Ontarians without a family doctor in the next four years, 2) invest in family health teams with wrap-around care to support seniors, young people and keep individuals out of hospitals, 3) cut the administrative burden facing doctors and 4) not penalize individuals or doctors for seeking care at walk-in clinics. There have also been specific commitments around mental health, autism and long term care.

Question 1:
If elected, will your government:
1. Improve access to lung cancer screening by adding new sites that equally and effectively span the entire province to eliminate barriers to care?
2. Expand access to lung cancer screening for those who are at risk who do not currently or have never smoked, specifically including those who are determined to have incidental pulmonary nodules?
3. Expand access to lung cancer screening to include those who are determined to have had detrimental exposure to radon gas?
4. Create and fund an awareness program that will encourage people to get screened for lung cancer and help reduce the stigma associated with the disease?

There are parts of our Province where individuals need to drive over 200 kilometres for a doctor. We need to do what we can to increase access to care, including in the screening of lung cancer and this is something I would be willing to look into.

Question 2:
If elected, will your government:
1. Ensure women over the age of 74 can self-refer for breast cancer screening, eliminating age-based barriers to early detection and supporting equitable access to life-saving care?

I would be willing to advocate against age-based barriers to early detection and supporting access to care in regards to breast cancer screening.

Question 3:
If elected, will your government:
1. Take steps to expand the array of diagnostic testing (e.g., publicly funded comprehensive genomic profiling) so that patients and their oncologists may be informed and empowered, and ultimately optimize their treatment outcomes, and value can be driven?
We need to continue to innovate when it comes to diagnostic testing and this is the sort of thing I would be willing to see investigated.

Question 4:
If elected, will your government:
1. Expand the screening eligibility criteria to align with current internationally recognized recommendations and guidelines?
We should always be looking at best practices, domestically and abroad, and, pending funding concerns, I would be willing to look into expanding screening eligibility for colorectal cancer and beyond.

Thanks for your questions and I look forward to talking more in the future.
Alex Hilson
Bonnie Crombie's Ontario Liberal Candidate for Wellington-Halton Hills

Good afternoon Jackie,

Thank you for taking the time to write to us with these important questions. I think your questions would be better directed to the main central team at the Ontario Liberal Party. Since Vince is running a local campaign, he does not have all the answers to your questions. That said, Vince agrees that cancer treatment and testing should be provided in a timely manner. Health care is under the purview of the provincial government and we must do all we can to take care of our citizens. 

Regards,

Kriti

Dear Jackie,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network's (CCSN) priorities for improving cancer care in Ontario. I appreciate the work CCSN does to advocate for patients, survivors, and their families. I recognize the critical role the Ontario government plays in ensuring timely access to diagnosis, testing, and treatment for all citizens. I want to assure you that if elected, my government will prioritize strengthening our healthcare system and improving cancer care outcomes.

Here are my commitments to addressing the specific issues you raised:

Question 1: Expanding Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is a devastating disease, and early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. I acknowledge the current limitations in access to lung cancer screening across Ontario, particularly in northern communities.

If elected:

1. Improve access to lung cancer screening: We will commit to a needs-based analysis to identify and establish new screening sites across the province, ensuring equitable geographical distribution and eliminating barriers to care for underserved populations. This will include prioritizing locations in Northern Ontario.
2. Expand eligibility criteria: We will work with experts to expand access to lung cancer screening for at-risk individuals who have never smoked, specifically including those with incidental pulmonary nodules.
3. Address radon exposure: We will also explore expanding access to lung cancer screening to include those determined to have had detrimental exposure to radon gas, based on scientific evidence and expert recommendations.
4. Fund an awareness program: We will create and fund a comprehensive public awareness campaign to encourage lung cancer screening, reduce stigma, and educate Ontarians about risk factors and the benefits of early detection.

This plan aligns with our commitment to getting the basics right in healthcare. As our plan "Getting the Basics Right: A Plan to Do More for You" states, we will guarantee everyone a family doctor in four years, ensure mental healthcare is covered under OHIP, and support seniors to age with dignity. This includes preventative care like cancer screening.

Question 2: Self-Referral for Breast Cancer Screening (Age 75+)

I agree that age-based barriers to breast cancer screening are unacceptable. Early detection is vital for improving survival rates, and women aged 75 and older should have the same access to screening as younger women.

If elected:

1. Ensure self-referral for women over 74: We will eliminate the requirement for a healthcare provider referral for women aged 75 and older seeking breast cancer screening, ensuring they can self-refer for mammograms and access life-saving care without unnecessary delays.

Question 3: Biomarker Testing and Precision Oncology

I recognize the transformative potential of precision oncology and the importance of comprehensive biomarker testing for advanced cancer patients. I am concerned about the existing inequities in access to biomarker testing across the province.

If elected:

1. Expand diagnostic testing: We will take steps to expand the array of diagnostic testing, including publicly funded comprehensive genomic profiling, to ensure that all advanced cancer patients, regardless of their location, have access to the information needed to optimize their treatment outcomes and participate in clinical trials.

As stated in our plan, we will invest in the real infrastructure we need, including expediting hospital repairs and expansions, as part of our plan to build Ontario's economy. This includes investments in advanced diagnostic technologies.

Question 4: Colorectal Cancer Screening (Under Age 50)

I am aware of the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults and the recommendations to lower the screening age.

If elected:

1. Expand screening eligibility criteria: We will carefully review the evidence and consult with experts to determine the appropriate age for initiating colorectal cancer screening in Ontario, with the goal of aligning with current internationally recognized recommendations and guidelines.

Our plan includes a commitment to preventative care and early detection, and we will work to ensure that our screening programs are aligned with the latest scientific evidence.

Thank you again for bringing these important issues to my attention. I am committed to working with the CCSN and other stakeholders to improve cancer care in Ontario and ensure that all Ontarians have access to the best possible care.

Sincerely,

April Engelberg

Hello Jackie,

Thank you for reaching out. I am glad that you sent this to me, as whilst I know there are problems with cancer treatment in Ontario, I did not have the full knowledge of what was going on. I can now bring this forward to our party to make sure it is incorporated in our health care plan.

Best regards,
Marjorie

Thank you for reaching out to the ONDP about increasing cancer screenings and improving research in cancer treatments.

We at the ONDP will always be strong advocates for improving our public healthcare for all Ontarians. Delayed access to specialist care can have dangerous impacts, including late-stage cancer diagnoses. We will establish a centralized referral system for specialist care, so that primary care providers can connect patients to the care they need, quickly. This will prevent further delays of care by delivering the choice for patients to be connected to the soonest appointment or wait for a preferred specialist.

We are also committed to establishing safe staffing ratios in hospitals and long-term care to ensure every patient gets the level of care they need and deserve. This will help prevent burn out for existing nurses and recruit new nurses by assuring that they will have the support of a well-staffed team.

We will establish a healthcare staffing strategy for Northern Ontario to bring 350 doctors, including 200 family doctors and 150 specialists. We will increase funding for locum programs to ensure reliable access to physicians, nurses, and specialists all year.

We are committed to improving cancer screenings for earlier detection and treatment for patients to ensure the health of all patients. We will continue to advocate for take home cancer drugs and improved home and community care.
Thank you for your continued commitment to healthcare and we are happy to stand alongside you in this advocacy.