Harper Announces Support for Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control

December 10, 2005

Strategy to Improve Cancer Screening, Prevention, and Coordination

St. Catharines - Conservative Leader Stephen Harper announced today that a new Conservative government will fully implement the five-year Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control at a cost of about $50 million per year.

“Cancer is the leading cause of early death for Canadians, but unfortunately we have no effective disease strategy at the national level,” said Harper. “The Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, developed by over 700 cancer survivors and experts, is a model for an effective national disease strategy. All that has been lacking is the political will to implement it.”

The Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control is a virtual network of all major cancer organizations and stakeholders in Canada, including the Canadian Cancer Society. It will facilitate the communication of cancer care knowledge across Canada, in collaboration with and respecting the jurisdiction of the provinces.

Harper noted that the Liberals joined the opposition parties in voting for Conservative Health Critic Steven Fletcher’s June 7, 2005, motion calling on the government to “fully fund and implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control in collaboration with the provinces and all stakeholders.” However, the Liberals failed to respect the will of the House of Commons and have provided no further funding for the strategy.

“The Liberals stood and voted for the Conservative motion to support the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, but then did nothing to make it a reality,” said Harper.

“Canadians need a government that will provide consistent leadership to fight cancer, and develop national strategies for other diseases such as mental illness and heart disease,” said Harper. “It is time to stand up for cancer patients and their families, and stand up for change, with a new Conservative government.”

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