Toronto, July 23, 2025
Dear Prime Minister Carney, Dear Premiers of Canada,
As you convene in Huntsville to address Canada’s economic future, focusing on tariff challenges and the strategic deployment of large infrastructure projects, Cancer Action Now, an alliance of health charities and patient organizations, urges consideration of a vital national asset: the health of Canadians affected by cancer. While we commend your commitment to economic stabilization, we should not lose sight of the importance of robust health infrastructure, particularly in cancer care.
The health of Canadians is not a competing priority but a fundamental component of a resilient and productive economy.
The economic burden of cancer is substantial, impacting workforce participation, productivity, and healthcare expenditures. The current Canada-U.S. relationship and shifts in
U.S. policies create uncertainty regarding access to innovative diagnostics and treatments. This is Canada’s opportunity to lead – to foster an environment that attracts expertise and investment – and strengthen our domestic capacity in cancer innovation. This must be a priority as you develop a response to U.S. tariffs aimed at investing in the resiliency of Canada’s healthcare systems.
Therefore, as you deliberate on projects in the national interest, we urge you to integrate the needs of Canadian cancer patients, into your economic sustainability framework. This is not about diverting resources but about recognizing health as a critical economic enabler.
Specifically, we call for your support and acceleration of initiatives that will directly benefit cancer patients across the country by removing barriers and improving accessibility:
- Advance the pan-Canadian cancer data strategy: This is a pragmatic step towards efficiency and accountability in cancer care, ensuring that we can fix what we can measure. Your leadership is needed to improve data collection, access, and interoperability, paving the way for a responsive, learning health system that improves care delivery and health outcomes. Taking these steps will help ensure more Canadians can stay in their jobs, supporting the economy rather than managing a health crisis and drawing on an already fragile health system.
- Invest in Canada’s domestic capacity in research and innovation: With current dynamics, strengthening our domestic capacity for cancer research and innovation is crucial. This will fuel economic growth, build resiliency in our health systems, and ensure Canadians have access to necessary diagnostics and treatments, securing our future health independence and building on Canada’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation.
- Accelerate access to life saving medicines: Begin discussions on how we can work together to eliminate barriers to accelerated access programs for cancer therapies. Learning from Premier Doug Ford’s Ontario pilot, adapt the concept to each unique health system and jurisdiction to ensure cancer patients across the country have equal opportunity to benefit from faster access to treatment, allowing them to get back to where they want to be – contributing to their families, communities and country.
Investing in timely, equitable, and innovative cancer care is not a discretionary expense; it is a strategic investment in Canada’s economic future. It is about optimizing human capital and ensuring a robust, resilient workforce.
We stand ready to collaborate, offering data and practical insights to support policies that strengthen both our economy and the health of Canadians.
Sincerely,
Cancer Action Now Alliance