Ovarian Cancer Canada Holds Day on the Hill in Ottawa to Showcase the Momentum in Ovarian Cancer Research
Ottawa, October 11, 2022 – Today, Ovarian Cancer Canada and its community of patient advocates and researchers wrapped up a series of successful meetings with members of Parliament in Ottawa urging all political parties to continue investing in scientific progress against ovarian cancer.
Delegates from across the country met with 34 members of Parliament and senior staff representing all political parties. Most notably, the group met with six Ministries including the Minister of Health: The Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, the President of the Treasury Board: The Hon. Mona Fortier, the Minister of Seniors: The Hon. Kamal Khera, and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development: The Hon. Karina Gould. Delegates also met with senior policy staff in the offices of the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth.
In addition to the meetings, three members of Parliament – Sonia Sidhu, Bonita Zarrillo, and Lena Metlege Diab – gave special Members’ Statements in the House of Commons supporting the vital role of Ovarian Cancer Canada, its network of researchers, and the tireless efforts of advocates and patients from across the country.
“I felt inspired after attending meetings with government who listened to my story and wanted to find ways to support the important work that is being done by Ovarian Cancer Canada to understand and treat this disease. Now I am even more determined to continue to use my voice to help improve outcomes for other women like me,” said Meredith Gowling, Patient Advocate.
During the meetings with government officials, the ovarian cancer community coalesced around the message that Canada needs to continue to invest in ovarian cancer research to improve patient outcomes.
“We are on the cusp of bringing new treatment strategies to our community with six potentially transformative clinical trials underway and 13 innovative pre-clinical studies in the pipeline, but there is much more work to be done,” said Tania Vrionis, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada.
Delegates asked the federal government to continue supporting Ovarian Cancer Canada by granting $15.7 million by 2024 so that the organization can continue the ground-breaking research being done across the country.
“With further funding, we can better understand how health inequities impact those affected by ovarian cancer, keep those with lived experience of this disease front-and-center in our research and continue to answer the most critical research questions,” added Vrionis.
Ovarian Cancer Canada looks forward to continuing the conversation with the federal government over the coming months and advocating for all those who are or could one day be impacted by this disease.
View Ovarian Cancer Canada’s 2023 Pre-Budget Submission (pdf).
About Ovarian Cancer Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada champions the health and wellbeing of people with ovarian cancer and others at risk of this disease while advancing research to save lives. As the only registered Canadian charity solely dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer, the organization provides leadership in research, advocacy, and support, so that those affected can live fuller, better, longer lives. Get involved or donate at ovariancanada.org.
For more information, please contact:
Julie De Liberato
Director, Marketing and Communications
jdeliberato@ovariancanada.org
416.873.2678
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