Ontario 2014 Election Campaign

Dear Ms. Manthorne:

Thank you very much for your letter. We appreciate the opportunity to listen to your priorities for Ontario. We share your commitment to Ontario's future and believe that with more and better jobs, we can do what's necessary to bring about the change Ontario needs.

I'm excited about our Million Jobs Plan - a plan to bring jobs back to Ontario, stop overspending, balance the budget and keep our debt from growing. Our plan relies on the notion that government should be smaller, but what it does, it does better. Our complete list of priorities for this election are described in the Million Jobs Plan, which can be found at www.millionjobsplan.com.

We need to face our challenges honestly and compassionately. It won't be easy, but it can be done and it will be worth it. I know we can build a previously unimagined Ontario, but it's going to take some courage and a willingness to challenge the failed status quo.

That's what our Ontario PC Million Jobs Plan delivers. We are asking goverment to tighten its belt, the way everyday Ontarians have, so that one million unemployed men and women will have a shot at solid, good-paying jobs.

We've got a job to do. It's time to get Ontario working better.

Sincerely,

Tim Hudak

Leader, Ontario PC Party

Question 1 response: 

The Ontario Liberal Party is committed to continue funding the OBSP for women aged 50 to 74 years and for women aged 30 to 69 years who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer. We know that breast cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer for women in Ontario, but that in the early stages, breast cancer, as well as cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, can be impossible to see or feel. That's why regular screening is important.

In 2011, the Ontario Liberal government invested an additional $15 million to expand the Ontario Breast Screening Program to reach women between the ages of 30 and 49 who are at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors, medical or family history, and support additional exams for women aged 50 to 69 who are currently covered under the program.

Our party also committed $154 million to build on the province’s cancer screening program and increase early detection and treatment of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. The Integrated Cancer Screening Strategy now integrates breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening into one coordinated program.

Question 2 response: 

Under Ontario Liberal leadership, this province has become a leader in care in Canada and around the world. An Ontarian who gets cancer has one of the best chances of survival anywhere in the world. The Ontario Liberals more than tripled funding for cancer-fighting drugs and since 2006 added 57 new cancer drugs to the formulary.

Starting in 2006, we undertook a number of reforms to our drug system to create a stronger, more effective provincial drug system. This included improving patient access to drugs and strengthening accountability and transparency. To strengthen accountability, two patient members have been appointed to the Committee to Evaluate Drugs (CED). We also established a formal process for patients or caregivers, through an advocacy group, to submit evidence for new drugs undergoing funding review.

In 2009, The Ontario Liberal government appointed 25 Ontarians to participate in the Citizen’s Council. The Council provides advice on the values that reflect the needs, culture, and attitudes of Ontario’s citizens about government drug policy. The Council is the first public engagement exercise of its kind in Canada and one of the few worldwide. The council allows interested Ontarians to have a real voice in the operation of Ontario's drug system.

Ontario Liberals know that access to life-saving medications is vital. That is why we created the Case-by-Case Review Program (CBCRP) that considers funding requests for oral and injectable cancer drugs for cancer patients who have rare clinical circumstances that are immediately life threatening, and who require treatment with an unfunded drug because there is no other satisfactory and funded treatment.

We also know there is more that needs to be done. For example, we know that specifically in the case of cancer drugs, there have been significant advancements in the availability of oral cancer medications. We know that Cancer Care Ontario is undertaking early work to determine the feasibility of moving forward on this. If given another mandate, the Wynne government will work with industry and our partners in the provincial drug programs across the country to enhance patient access to Health Canada approved medications.

Question 3 response:

Ontario Liberals are proud to have been the first government to make the HPV vaccination available for girls. In 2012, we built on the success of this program, expanding it to girls in grades 9-12, free of charge, who didn’t receive the vaccination earlier.

Ontario Liberals will continue to review the evidence and the cost-benefit ratio of expanding our program to include boys, as part of our broader evaluation of all vaccines in the pipeline.

Question 4 response: 

The Ontario Liberal Party understands the important role screening plays in detecting cancer. That is why, in 2009, the Ontario Liberal government began covering PSA testing for diagnosing or monitoring purposes.

The Ontario Liberals are committed to making evidence-based decisions regarding PSA testing and will review any new information to support PSA screening tests for asymptomatic men.

Dear Jackie,

Thank you for sending along your questions related to cancer care and healthcare in Ontario. You have been a great advocate for cancer survivors and I look forward to continuing to work with you after June 12th.

Question 1 response:

The Ontario Liberal Party is committed to continue funding the OBSP for women aged 50 to 74 years and for women aged 30 to 69 years are at high risk for breast cancer. We know that breast cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer for women in Ontario, but that in the early stages, breast cancer, as well as cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, can be impossible to see or feel. That's why regular screening is important.

In 2011, the Liberal government invested an additional $15 million to expand the Ontario Breast Screening Program to reach women between the ages of 30 and 49 who are at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors, medical or family history, and support additional exams for women aged 50 to 69 who are currently covered under the program. The Liberal government also committed $154 million to build on the province’s cancer screening program and increase early detection and treatment of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. The Integrated Cancer Screening Strategy now integrates breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening into one coordinated program.

Question 2 response: 

Under Ontario Liberal leadership, this province has become a leader in care in Canada and around the world. I am proud that we have built a system in which an Ontarian who gets cancer has one of the best chances of survival anywhere in the world. In order to ensure cancer patients receive the treatment they need, the Liberal government more than tripled funding for cancer-fighting drugs and since 2006 added 57 new cancer drugs to the formulary.

Ontario Liberals know that access to life-saving medications is vital. That is why we created the Case-by-Case Review Program (CBCRP) that considers funding requests for oral and injectable cancer drugs for cancer patients who have rare clinical circumstances that are immediately life threatening, and who require treatment with an unfunded drug because there is no other satisfactory and funded treatment.

We also know there is more that needs to be done. For example, we know that specifically in the case of cancer drugs, there have been significant advancements in the availability of oral cancer medications. We know that Cancer Care Ontario is undertaking early work to evaluate the current delivery system for take-home cancer therapies. If given another mandate, the Wynne government will work with industry and our partners in the provincial drug programs across the country to enhance patient access to Health Canada approved cancer medications.

Question 3 response:

I am proud that the Liberal government was the first government in Canada to make the HPV vaccination available for girls. In 2012, we built on the success of this program, expanding it to girls in grades 9-12, free of charge, who didn’t receive the vaccination earlier. Ontario Liberals will continue to review the evidence and the cost-benefit ratio of expanding our program to include boys, as part of our broader evaluation of all vaccines in the pipeline.

Question 4 response: 

The Ontario Liberal Party understands the important role screening plays in detecting cancer. That is why, in 2009, the Ontario Liberal government began covering PSA testing for diagnosing or monitoring purposes. The Ontario Liberals are committed to making evidence-based decisions regarding PSA testing and will review any new information to support PSA screening tests for asymptomatic men.

Sincerely,
Deb Matthews

Question 1 response: 

The Ontario Liberal Party is committed to continue funding the OBSP for women aged 50 to 74 years and for women aged 30 to 69 years who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer. We know that breast cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer for women in Ontario, but that in the early stages, breast cancer, as well as cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, can be impossible to see or feel. That's why regular screening is important.

In 2011, the Ontario Liberal government invested an additional $15 million to expand the Ontario Breast Screening Program to reach women between the ages of 30 and 49 who are at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors, medical or family history, and support additional exams for women aged 50 to 69 who are currently covered under the program.

Our party also committed $154 million to build on the province’s cancer screening program and increase early detection and treatment of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. The Integrated Cancer Screening Strategy now integrates breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening into one coordinated program.

Question 2 response: 

Under Ontario Liberal leadership, this province has become a leader in care in Canada and around the world. An Ontarian who gets cancer has one of the best chances of survival anywhere in the world. The Ontario Liberals more than tripled funding for cancer-fighting drugs and since 2006 added 57 new cancer drugs to the formulary.

Starting in 2006, we undertook a number of reforms to our drug system to create a stronger, more effective provincial drug system. This included improving patient access to drugs and strengthening accountability and transparency. To strengthen accountability, two patient members have been appointed to the Committee to Evaluate Drugs (CED). We also established a formal process for patients or caregivers, through an advocacy group, to submit evidence for new drugs undergoing funding review.

In 2009, The Ontario Liberal government appointed 25 Ontarians to participate in the Citizen’s Council. The Council provides advice on the values that reflect the needs, culture, and attitudes of Ontario’s citizens about government drug policy. The Council is the first public engagement exercise of its kind in Canada and one of the few worldwide. The council allows interested Ontarians to have a real voice in the operation of Ontario's drug system.

Ontario Liberals know that access to life-saving medications is vital. That is why we created the Case-by-Case Review Program (CBCRP) that considers funding requests for oral and injectable cancer drugs for cancer patients who have rare clinical circumstances that are immediately life threatening, and who require treatment with an unfunded drug because there is no other satisfactory and funded treatment.

We also know there is more that needs to be done. For example, we know that specifically in the case of cancer drugs, there have been significant advancements in the availability of oral cancer medications. We know that Cancer Care Ontario is undertaking early work to determine the feasibility of moving forward on this. If given another mandate, the Wynne government will work with industry and our partners in the provincial drug programs across the country to enhance patient access to Health Canada approved medications.

Question 3 response: 

Ontario Liberals are proud to have been the first government to make the HPV vaccination available for girls. In 2012, we built on the success of this program, expanding it to girls in grades 9-12, free of charge, who didn’t receive the vaccination earlier.

Ontario Liberals will continue to review the evidence and the cost-benefit ratio of expanding our program to include boys, as part of our broader evaluation of all vaccines in the pipeline.

Question 4 response:

The Ontario Liberal Party understands the important role screening plays in detecting cancer. That is why, in 2009, the Ontario Liberal government began covering PSA testing for diagnosing or monitoring purposes.

The Ontario Liberals are committed to making evidence-based decisions regarding PSA testing and will review any new information to support PSA screening tests for asymptomatic men.

Question 1 response: 

The Ontario Liberal Party is committed to continue funding the OBSP for women aged 50 to 74 years and for women aged 30 to 69 years who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer.

We know that breast cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer for women in Ontario, but that in the early stages, breast cancer, as well as cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, can be impossible to see or feel. That's why regular screening is important.

In 2011, the Ontario Liberal government invested an additional $15 million to expand the Ontario Breast Screening Program to reach women between the ages of 30 and 49 who are at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors, medical or family history, and support additional exams for women aged 50 to 69 who are currently covered under the program.

Our party also committed $154 million to build on the province’s cancer screening program and increase early detection and treatment of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. The Integrated Cancer Screening Strategy now integrates breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening into one coordinated program.

Question 2 response: 

Under Ontario Liberal leadership, this province has become a leader in care in Canada and around the world. An Ontarian who gets cancer has one of the best chances of survival anywhere in the world. The Ontario Liberals more than tripled funding for cancer-fighting drugs and since 2006 added 57 new cancer drugs to the formulary.

Starting in 2006, we undertook a number of reforms to our drug system to create a stronger, more effective provincial drug system. This included improving patient access to drugs and strengthening accountability and transparency. To strengthen accountability, two patient members have been appointed to the Committee to Evaluate Drugs (CED). We also established a formal process for patients or caregivers, through an advocacy group, to submit evidence for new drugs undergoing funding review.

In 2009, The Ontario Liberal government appointed 25 Ontarians to participate in the Citizen’s Council. The Council is the first public engagement exercise of its kind in Canada and one of the few worldwide. The council allows interested Ontarians to have a real voice in the operation of Ontario's drug system. The Council provides advice on the values that reflect the needs, culture, and attitudes of Ontario’s citizens about government drug policy.

Ontario Liberals know that access to life-saving medications is vital. That is why we created the Case-by-Case Review Program (CBCRP) that considers funding requests for oral and injectable cancer drugs for cancer patients who have rare clinical circumstances that are immediately life threatening, and who require treatment with an unfunded drug because there is no other satisfactory and funded treatment.

We also know there is more that needs to be done. For example, we know that specifically in the case of cancer drugs, there have been significant advancements in the availability of oral cancer medications. We know that Cancer Care Ontario is undertaking early work to determine the feasibility of moving forward on this. If given another mandate, the Wynne government will work with industry and our partners in the provincial drug programs across the country to enhance patient access to Health Canada approved medications.

Question 3 response: 

Ontario Liberals are proud to have been the first government to make the HPV vaccination available for girls. In 2012, we built on the success of this program, expanding it to girls in grades 9-12, free of charge, who didn’t receive the vaccination earlier.

Ontario Liberals will continue to review the evidence and the cost-benefit ratio of expanding our program to include boys, as part of our broader evaluation of all vaccines in the pipeline.

Question 4 response:

The Ontario Liberal Party understands the important role screening plays in detecting cancer. That is why, in 2009, the Ontario Liberal government began covering PSA testing for diagnosing or monitoring purposes.

The Ontario Liberals are committed to making evidence-based decisions regarding PSA testing and will review any new information to support PSA screening tests for asymptomatic men.

Question 1 response:

The Ontario Liberal Party is committed to continue funding the OBSP for women aged 50 to 74 years and for women aged 30 to 69 years who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer.

We know that breast cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer for women in Ontario, but that in the early stages, breast cancer, as well as cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, can be impossible to see or feel. That's why regular screening is important.

In 2011, the Ontario Liberal government invested an additional $15 million to expand the Ontario Breast Screening Program to reach women between the ages of 30 and 49 who are at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors, medical or family history, and support additional exams for women aged 50 to 69 who are currently covered under the program.

Our party also committed $154 million to build on the province’s cancer screening program and increase early detection and treatment of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. The Integrated Cancer Screening Strategy now integrates breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening into one coordinated program.

Question 2 response: 

Under Ontario Liberal leadership, this province has become a leader in care in Canada and around the world. An Ontarian who gets cancer has one of the best chances of survival anywhere in the world. The Ontario Liberals more than tripled funding for cancer-fighting drugs and since 2006 added 57 new cancer drugs to the formulary.

Starting in 2006, we undertook a number of reforms to our drug system to create a stronger, more effective provincial drug system. This included improving patient access to drugs and strengthening accountability and transparency. To strengthen accountability, two patient members have been appointed to the Committee to Evaluate Drugs (CED). We also established a formal process for patients or caregivers, through an advocacy group, to submit evidence for new drugs undergoing funding review.

In 2009, The Ontario Liberal government appointed 25 Ontarians to participate in the Citizen’s Council. The Council is the first public engagement exercise of its kind in Canada and one of the few worldwide. The council allows interested Ontarians to have a real voice in the operation of Ontario's drug system. The Council provides advice on the values that reflect the needs, culture, and attitudes of Ontario’s citizens about government drug policy.

Ontario Liberals know that access to life-saving medications is vital. That is why we created the Case-by-Case Review Program (CBCRP) that considers funding requests for oral and injectable cancer drugs for cancer patients who have rare clinical circumstances that are immediately life threatening, and who require treatment with an unfunded drug because there is no other satisfactory and funded treatment.

We also know there is more that needs to be done. For example, we know that specifically in the case of cancer drugs, there have been significant advancements in the availability of oral cancer medications. We know that Cancer Care Ontario is undertaking early work to determine the feasibility of moving forward on this. If given another mandate, the Wynne government will work with industry and our partners in the provincial drug programs across the country to enhance patient access to Health Canada approved medications.

Question 3 response: 

Ontario Liberals are proud to have been the first government to make the HPV vaccination available for girls. In 2012, we built on the success of this program, expanding it to girls in grades 9-12, free of charge, who didn’t receive the vaccination earlier.

Ontario Liberals will continue to review the evidence and the cost-benefit ratio of expanding our program to include boys, as part of our broader evaluation of all vaccines in the pipeline.

Question 4 response:

The Ontario Liberal Party understands the important role screening plays in detecting cancer. That is why, in 2009, the Ontario Liberal government began covering PSA testing for diagnosing or monitoring purposes.

The Ontario Liberals are committed to making evidence-based decisions regarding PSA testing and will review any new information to support PSA screening tests for asymptomatic men.

Question 1 response:

The Ontario Liberal Party is committed to continue funding the OBSP for women aged 50 to 74 years and for women aged 30 to 69 years who have been confirmed to be at high risk for breast cancer.

We know that breast cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer for women in Ontario, but that in the early stages, breast cancer, as well as cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, can be impossible to see or feel. That's why regular screening is important.

In 2011, the Ontario Liberal government invested an additional $15 million to expand the Ontario Breast Screening Program to reach women between the ages of 30 and 49 who are at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors, medical or family history, and support additional exams for women aged 50 to 69 who are currently covered under the program.

Our party also committed $154 million to build on the province’s cancer screening program and increase early detection and treatment of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. The Integrated Cancer Screening Strategy now integrates breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening into one coordinated program.

Question 2 response:

Under Ontario Liberal leadership, this province has become a leader in care in Canada and around the world. An Ontarian who gets cancer has one of the best chances of survival anywhere in the world. The Ontario Liberals more than tripled funding for cancer-fighting drugs and since 2006 added 57 new cancer drugs to the formulary.

Starting in 2006, we undertook a number of reforms to our drug system to create a stronger, more effective provincial drug system. This included improving patient access to drugs and strengthening accountability and transparency. To strengthen accountability, two patient members have been appointed to the Committee to Evaluate Drugs (CED). We also established a formal process for patients or caregivers, through an advocacy group, to submit evidence for new drugs undergoing funding review.

In 2009, The Ontario Liberal government appointed 25 Ontarians to participate in the Citizen’s Council. The Council is the first public engagement exercise of its kind in Canada and one of the few worldwide. The council allows interested Ontarians to have a real voice in the operation of Ontario's drug system. The Council provides advice on the values that reflect the needs, culture, and attitudes of Ontario’s citizens about government drug policy.

Ontario Liberals know that access to life-saving medications is vital. That is why we created the Case-by-Case Review Program (CBCRP) that considers funding requests for oral and injectable cancer drugs for cancer patients who have rare clinical circumstances that are immediately life threatening, and who require treatment with an unfunded drug because there is no other satisfactory and funded treatment.

We also know there is more that needs to be done. For example, we know that specifically in the case of cancer drugs, there have been significant advancements in the availability of oral cancer medications. We know that Cancer Care Ontario is undertaking early work to determine the feasibility of moving forward on this. If given another mandate, the Wynne government will work with industry and our partners in the provincial drug programs across the country to enhance patient access to Health Canada approved medications.

Question 3 response:

Ontario Liberals are proud to have been the first government to make the HPV vaccination available for girls. In 2012, we built on the success of this program, expanding it to girls in grades 9-12, free of charge, who didn’t receive the vaccination earlier.

Ontario Liberals will continue to review the evidence and the cost-benefit ratio of expanding our program to include boys, as part of our broader evaluation of all vaccines in the pipeline.

Question 4 response:

The Ontario Liberal Party understands the important role screening plays in detecting cancer. That is why, in 2009, the Ontario Liberal government began covering PSA testing for diagnosing or monitoring purposes.

The Ontario Liberals are committed to making evidence-based decisions regarding PSA testing and will review any new information to support PSA screening tests for asymptomatic men.

Question 1 response:

Yes. The Ontario NDP is strongly committed to preventative medicine and believes that it is fundamentally important for the government to continue support for free breast screenings through the OBSP.

Question 2 response:

The Ontario NDP is committed to doing everything we can to reduce the incidence of cancer and support individuals and families touched by this disease. We believe Ontarians’ access to medically necessary medication should be consistent, transparent, and ensured in a timely manner.

We are committed to working with other provinces to push the federal government for a national pharmacare plan to help ensure that all Ontarians have access to the medication they need. The Ontario NDP will work to ensure accessibility, reliability, and compassion in our provincial drug plans. We are dedicated to ensuring that medically necessary medication is available to those in need.

Question 3 response:

The Ontario NDP believes that decision to expand the HPV vaccine should be evidence-based and made by medical professionals. Experts largely agree that expanding the HPV vaccine to young men and boys is essential to ensuring that we can prevent deadly cancers in both men and women. Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of Canadians support the extension of the vaccine to boys. As such, an Ontario NDP government would work with medical professionals to expand the free school-based HPV vaccine to boys.

Question 4 response:

The Ontario NDP acknowledges that the current framework for prostate cancer screening should be reviewed. We also believe in ensuring that public health education includes information about prostate cancer prevention. Though it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men, death rates have been falling four percent per year over the past decade. We want to continue and improve upon this progress.

The Ontario NDP supports measures to improve health coverage for all Ontarians. We will work with experts and stakeholders to ensure that coverage for routine prostate cancer screening is expanded. We recognize the importance of these tests as simple, cost-effective tools to increase prevention and improve outcomes for prostate cancer. We believe that there should be no barriers to accessing tests that can help save lives. We also believe that it is essential that our healthcare resources be used efficiently and that means an increasingly large role for preventative measures.

Question 1 response:

Yes, I fully support funding free breast screening through OBSP.

Question 2 response:

Yes, I would certainly commit to ensure that all cancer patients in Ontario receive timely access to new medications at the time they need it and these medications be 100% covered by the health care system.

Question 3 response:

Yes, I agree that boys and girls should receive free access to the HPV vaccine equally.

Question 4 response:

Yes, our party is in favour of implementing free PSA testing in Ontario for prostate cancer. Our party is in favour of early detection testing, etc. to prevent many early, unnecessary deaths and it is more economically sensible.

Question 1 response:

Our health politics is a true accessibility for better health care for all, a change that puts people first. In response to your question, yes, the OBSP is part of regular checkups that prevent the occurrence of major health problems. As health professional, I have a strong interest in preventive medicine and the development of family health teams to improve health in our community. This project is very dear to my heart because health and environment are the two issues that have followed me throughout my professional career. I’m author of many scientific papers, as well as a book on cancer eradication in French. Here is the link about the book: http://multim.com/titre/?ID=373

Question 2 response:

Unlike the Wynne’s Liberals, we know that the status quo cannot continue to serve the citizens of the province. A system that leaves patients struggle between disconnected providers leads to poor health outcomes and is a waste of public money. Therefore, the NDP propose a change that will make health care affordable and reliable. We will implement changes that provide services and health care when we need now and in the future.

Question 3 response:

Our health politics is a true accessibility for better health care for all. The HPV vaccine is also part of regular checkups that prevent the occurrence of major health problems. As the NDP has a good management of health care costs by focusing on active prevention, primary care and make a cap on the maximum salary of CEOs, we should be able to provide services and health care when we need now and in the future.

Question 4 response:

Once again, the PSA testing for prostate cancer is part of regular checkups that prevent the occurrence of major health problems. Our health politics is a true accessibility for better health care for all. This will keep people healthy and in the long term, allow our health system make savings that will can be used for other needs.

Kidney Cancer Canada Blog – What has a provincial election got to do with cancer?
From Kidney Cancer Canada: http://kidneycancercanada.wordpress.com/2014/05/20/what-has-a-provincial-election-got-to-do-with-cancer/ 

Greetings from Ontario where we are in full election mode. Signs are up on lawns. Eager candidates are knocking on doors. So, with apologies to those living in the rest of the universe, I hope you won’t mind me sharing some personal thoughts about elections, kidney cancer, and where they overlap.

All decisions about cancer care and treatment are made by provincial governments. While we believe in a Canadian, universal health care system for all, the reality is that health is very much a provincial responsibility funded (in large part) by transfers from our Federal government. Decisions about which cancer drugs to fund, investments in cancer centres, and funding formulas all rest with each provincial government. Just write to the Federal Health Minister and she will tell you that…

Election day in Ontario is Thursday, June 12, 2014. Please take the opportunity to raise the issues of kidney cancer patients to the person knocking on your door, at local events, and in your local community newspapers.

Below are some key points for elected officials in Ontario to know and understand. Please share them in person, by email or via social media with your local candidates.

Key Issue 1: Access to Drugs that are LISTED on the Ontario Formulary

Almost all kidney cancer drugs are oral, take-home chemotherapies. Unless the patient has private insurance (and many don’t have enough coverage even if they do), or are over 65, the family must submit to a complex reimbursement system through the Trillium Drug Plan. Trillium is failing Ontario’s cancer patients both through delays in access and costly deductibles that many families, young people, and others simply cannot afford.

Ontario has fallen behind the four Western provinces and Quebec in that it does not equally fund IV and take-home (e.g., oral) cancer medications. IV treatments are fully funded. Oral cancer treatments fall outside of Cancer Care Ontario’s funding program: See www.cancertaintyforall.ca for details!

The diagnosis of kidney cancer can be overwhelming and the additional stress caused by financial co-pays, paperwork and delays is an unnecessary and unfair burden.

Our goal: from diagnosis to “cancer prescription filled” in one seamless process!

Key Issue 2: Access to New Medications in a Timely Manner

Once clinical trials are complete, manufacturers of new medications submit to Health Canada for approval for use in Canada. Once Health Canada approves a drug for kidney cancer, it can take up to TWO YEARS for the province of Ontario to list the drug on its provincial formulary.

Processes beyond Health Canada include pCODR (pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review) and now pCPA (pan-Canadian Pricing Alliance) and then the provincial agreements to list – listings which include strict eligibility criteria that can (and often are) different in each province.

ON must make a commitment to improve access to new medications for cancer – because cancer patients with a life-threatening disease cannot wait two years
Kidney cancer patients need assurance that Ontario is committed to having a leading cancer agency and best-in-Canada outcomes for cancer patients.

How do you share these messages?

At the door: Candidates will be knocking on doors to connect directly with voters, this is a great chance to talk about what matters to you and your family.
At events: Public events are a common place to find candidates, you can talk to them there about issues affecting kidney cancer patients and cancer patients in general.
By email or phone: Find the websites of the political parties and of your local candidates and send an email or make a phone call detailing your concern for kidney cancer patients and ask for the candidate’s support of issues
Social media: If you are using Twitter and/or Facebook, connect with your local candidates and the party leaders on those social networks and engage in a a conversation about these issues.
On Facebook, search for your local candidates or the provincial parties, and post a short, respectful message about your concerns
On Twitter, use the ‘hashtags’: #onpoli and #voteon to bring your messages to people beyond the candidates and be sure to tag us in your tweets with @KidneyCancer_Ca or @CanCertainty so that we can Re-Tweet you
On Twitter, connect to the political parties via hastags and accounts including:
Green Party of Ontario: @OnGreens and #gpo
Liberal Party of Ontario: @OnLiberal and #olp
NDP of Ontario: @OntarioNDP and #ONDP
Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario: @OntarioPCParty and #pcpo
“Wow. I Had No Idea…”

Remember, this is an opportunity to raise awareness and educate candidates across Ontario. This may be the first time they are learning about issues in our cancer system, so please be respectful – many will have no idea of the issues. Please feel free to direct them to the video on the CanCertainty website.
Every conversation that you can have with potential government decision makers takes us another step closer to making change for kidney cancer patients – and those diagnosed in the years to come.

Thank you. We look forward to your feedback. Please feel free to share with us the interactions you have. We’ll look forward to candidates saying that they’ll stand up for cancer patients when they get elected. And then we’ll hold them to it.

With thanks to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for their generous permission to adapt their grassroots action campaign for Kidney Cancer Canada.http://www.braintumour.ca

Where do Ontario’s main political parties stand on access to expensive rare disease drugs?

Elections are a good time for advocacy groups to influence policy making by educating political parties and candidates on important issues. On June 12, 2014, voters in Ontario are going to the polls to vote for their Members of Provincial Parliaments. Last month, we asked all three major political parties what their plan is for making expensive drugs for rare diseases like cystic fibrosis available to patients should they form Government after the election. This is an especially important policy question given advances in personalized medicines such as KALYDECO®.

We are sharing with you the responses from the Ontario Liberal Party, the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and the Ontario New Democratic Party. The responses are presented in the order of the number of seats held by the parties at the dissolution of parliament. As a registered charity, we are governed by the Canada Revenue Agency’s rules on political activities for charitable organizations. Therefore, we do not endorse any political party or candidate for office, or a policy position taken by the political parties. On behalf of the Canadian cystic fibrosis community, I want to thank the political parties for responding to our questionnaire.