The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network establishes sets of budget recommendations for both federal and provincial budget consultations. Our recommendations are aimed at reducing the emotional, physical, and financial burden placed on cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. As we look to future budgets, we urge governments across the country to prioritize investments in critical areas that will significantly improve the lives of cancer survivors and their families.
To read the full budget submission, click HERE
Submitted Friday, May 22nd.
Recommendation 1: THAT the government invests in choices to encourage to improve and provide programs related to preventing cancer.
Recommendation 2: THAT the government continues the investment for a national pharmacare program.
Recommendation 3: THAT the government follows through with the improvement of interoperability for Canadian health data.
Recommendation 4: THAT the government views healthcare as an investment which leads to economic growth rather than a burden.
To read the full budget submission, click HERE.
Submitted December 2025
Reccomendation: CCSN urges the government of Ontario to fund take-home cancer treatments. This would ensure that any cancer patient can access necessary oral and self-administered cancer drugs at no cost. By integrating take-home cancer drugs into public funding, Ontario will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients and achieve equitable access.
To read the full budget submission, click HERE.
Submitted Feb. 20, 2024.
Recommendation 1: THAT the government increase the Cancer Care Manitoba budget by 5% from the 2023 amount of $102,200,000 to $107,300,000.
Recommendation 2: THAT the Manitoba government allocate funding for the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive lung screening program to effectively address the pressing need for early detection and intervention in combating lung cancer across the province.
Recommendation 3: THAT the Manitoba government allocate additional resources towards the enhancement of the ColonCheck program, focusing on initiatives to increase awareness, accessibility, and participation rates among eligible individuals.
Recommendation 4: THAT the Manitoba government allocate resources for the establishment of a government-funded radon testing program aimed at providing free or subsidized radon testing kits to residents across the province.
Recommendation 5: THAT emergency preparedness plans should include provisions for the continuation of cancer care and screening. Governments must ensure that cancer patients continue to receive care during emergencies, including those related to all future pandemics, and other unforeseen crises like natural disasters.
To read the full budget submission, click HERE.
Read our statement in response HERE.
Submitted Jan. 31, 2024.
Recommendation 1: THAT the government increase the Nova Scotia cancer improvement budget by 8 per cent from the 2023 amount of $11.3 million to $12.2 million.
Recommendation 2: THAT the government strengthen the reach and capabilities of the Nova Scotia Lung Screening Program. Governments must increase the accessibility of screening to encompass individuals who may have other risk factors, as well as individuals living in rural areas.
Recommendation 3: THAT the government to take proactive steps towards safeguarding public health by initiating the widespread distribution of government-funded radon test kits.
Recommendation 4: THAT the government intensify educational campaigns, streamline vaccination access, and enhance community outreach efforts to ensure optimal vaccine uptake and protection against HPV-related diseases.
Recommendation 5: THAT emergency preparedness plans should include provisions for the continuation of cancer care and screening. Governments must ensure that cancer patients continue to receive care during emergencies, including those related to all future pandemics, and other unforeseen crises like natural disasters.
Recommendation 6: THAT the healthcare system need to recognize and address the long-term symptoms of COVID-19, providing appropriate medical care, support, and resources for those experiencing these symptoms, including cancer patients.
To read the full budget submission, click HERE.
For CCSN’s response to the budget, click HERE.
Submitted Jan. 17, 2024.
Recommendation 1: THAT the government advance cancer rehabilitation by expanding and establishing services to address deconditioning, muscle loss, and cardiovascular risks associated with cancer treatment.
Recommendation 2: THAT the government should allocate funds to promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing, encompassing financial support for research and development, grants for facility establishment, and streamlined regulatory processes.
Recommendation 3: THAT emergency preparedness plans should include provisions for continued cancer care.Governments must ensure that cancer patients continue to receive care during emergencies, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other unforeseen crises like natural disasters.
Recommendation 4: THAT the government extend the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program beyond the initial two-year pilot period and strengthen its reach. Governments must increase the accessibility of screening to encompass individuals who may have other risk factors, as well as individuals living in rural areas.
Recommendation 5: THAT the government to take proactive steps towards safeguarding public health by initiating the widespread distribution of government-funded radon test kit.
Recommendation 6: THAT the government increase the accessibility and availability of cancer treatment resources in rural areas through the implementation of tele-oncology, mobile clinics, and better public transport connectivity to urban healthcare hubs.
Recommendation 7: THAT the government establish a new Cancer Research Charitable Fund to support organizations engaged in work related to cancer research, patient advocacy, and support services.
To read the full submission, click HERE.
For CCSN’s response to this budget, click HERE.
Recommendation 1: THAT the government increase the OntarioHealth Cancer Treatment Services budget by 11% from the 2023 amount of $1,499 million to $1,664 million.
Recommendation 2: THAT the government strengthen the reach and capabilities of the Ontario Lung Screening Program. Governments must increase the accessibility of screening to encompass individuals who may have other risk factors, as well as individuals living in rural areas.
Recommendation 3: THAT the government to take proactive steps towards safeguarding public health by initiating the widespread distribution of government-funded radon test kits.
Recommendation 4: THAT the government substantially increase cancer research funding by 13% from the current budget to encourage organizations to explore new treatments, detection methods, and survivorship programs.
Recommendation 5: THAT the government advance cancer rehabilitation by expanding and establishing services to address deconditioning, muscle loss, and other risks associated both with cancer and with treatment.
Recommendation 6: THAT emergency preparedness plans should include provisions for the continuation of cancer care and screening. Governments must ensure that cancer patients continue to receive care during emergencies, including those related to all future pandemics, and other unforeseen crises like natural disasters.
Recommendation 7: THAT the government establish a new Cancer Research Charitable Fund to support organizations engaged in work related to cancer research, patient advocacy, and support services.
To read the full budget submission, click HERE.
Recommendation 1: THAT the government establish and allocate funding for impactful programs that provide charitable, non-profit agencies working in the field of cancer with financial support to hire researchers and conduct outreach activities aimed at improving the lives of those affected by the disease.
Recommendation 2: THAT the government strengthen the Disability Tax Credit by implementing an 8.79% increase, bringing the amount to $9,650.
Recommendation 3: THAT the government advocate for increased funding and support to ensure equitable access to take-home cancer drugs for patients across Canada.
Recommendation 4: THAT the government allocate resources to adjust and expand breast cancer screening guidelines, including increasing the maximum age and decreasing the minimum age for routine screenings.
Recommendation 5: THAT the government advocate for the creation of a comprehensive and centralized national cancer patient navigation system.
Recommendation 6: THAT the government implement a 15% increase in the Canada Health Transfer, bringing the total amount to $56,834,200,000, to provide vital support in addressing the backlog of cancer services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.