Advocates take to Parliament Hill and press for research funding
June 26, 2018
Backed by thousands of letters from concerned Canadians, three teams of delegates took to Parliament Hill earlier this month. Each was comprised of a researcher, a woman living with ovarian cancer, and a member of the Ovarian Cancer Canada team.
They went to discuss persistent shortfalls in ovarian cancer research, and how $10 million in federal government funding could help propel urgently needed discoveries. Over the course of the day, teams participated in a total of 11 meetings with Members of Parliament and senior staff from the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Trevor Shepherd, Translational Oncology Scientist at the London Regional Cancer Program; Julee Paulin, volunteer advocate; Cailey Crawford, Ontario Regional Director at Ovarian Cancer Canada
“It is a rare opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with ovarian cancer researchers and advocates to tell our government how people with ovarian cancer are impacted by bureaucratic red tape,” says Julee Paulin, who was diagnosed in 2011. “I felt empowered when MPs looked me in the eyes and seriously thanked me for coming in and sharing my story.”
In a fortunate turn of events, one team was in a meeting when Federal Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor joined their group unannounced.
Margaret Megelas, volunteer advocate; Dr. Jim Petrik, researcher and professor at the University of Guelph; MP Eva Nassif, MP for Vimy (Quebec); Jennifer Laliberté, Quebec Regional Director at Ovarian Cancer Canada; Federal Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor
“It was definitely an impactful day. We had some productive conversations with MPs. The Federal Minister of Health was extremely interested in what we had to say about how ovarian cancer research is in desperate need of critical funding,” says Dr. Jim Petrik, a researcher and professor at the University of Guelph. “The $10 million we are advocating for would translate into a dramatic increase in treatment opportunities for women living with ovarian cancer. I’m hopeful that we’re getting through.”
“The momentum I feel, as a survivor, when I hear a researcher talking about their projects brings me such hope,” says Margaret Megelas, a woman from Montreal who was diagnosed in 2013. “I was sitting beside Dr. Petrik thinking, if and when we get the money, I cannot wait to see the strides that will be made.”
During Question Period in the House of Commons, Sheila Malcolmson, MP for Nanaimo—Ladysmith (British Columbia) and Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women voiced her support, making specific mention of the need for an immediate and additional investment of $10 million. “Research funding is a fraction of what other cancers get… Let’s give the $10 million budget Ovarian Cancer Canada is asking for. Let’s donate and find a cure.”
Anita Vandenbeld, MP for Ottawa West–Nepean and Chair of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, also made a statement about the need for greater awareness and new treatments. She then invited Members to attend the reception hosted by the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus to learn more about the issue.
“I felt really, really gratified when two women MPs from the Women’s Caucus stood up during Question Period and spoke about ovarian cancer and of their support to grant the $10 million,” says Julee. “That has to be one of the most satisfying moments of my life.”
Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research at the University of Ottawa; Elisabeth Baugh, CEO at Ovarian Cancer Canada; Donna Pepin, volunteer advocate
Shortly afterwards, at the reception, MPs and senators heard addresses from Elisabeth Baugh, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada, and Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Vanderhyden spoke about cooperation among Canadian scientists working to address the disease.
“Together, we have developed a plan, which outlines priority areas that we believe will lead to the breakthroughs in ovarian cancer treatments that could save women’s lives,” she said. “Women want it, patients deserve it, and we researchers are ready to deliver. It is time to make investment in ovarian cancer research a priority.”
Dr. Vanderhyden delivered these words to thunderous applause.
Help continue this vital momentum to ensure that Canadian scientists have the support they need to affect progress against ovarian cancer. Send a letter to your federal elected representative within minutes.