April 01, 2015
Every April, the Canadian Cancer Society holds their national fundraising campaign, Daffodil Month. During this month, volunteers from across the country get involved in a variety of activities to raise funds for life-saving research, support services and other important work for the fight against cancer.
While the overall rate of cancer deaths is declining in Canada, it is still the leading cause of death in our country and has touched many of us in one way or another. Approximately two in five Canadians will develop cancer in his or her lifetime and one in four Canadians will die from the disease.
These numbers are staggering, but the good news is that one-third of all cases of cancer can be prevented by leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Improving diet, avoiding tobacco use, increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer. We are doing our part to encourage Canadians to embrace healthier lifestyles and reduce the burden of cancer on Canadians.
Our Government is working with provinces and territories, the private and not-for-profit sectors and individual Canadians to invest in innovative initiatives that show real promise for change. For example, in partnership with Canadian Tire and LIFT Philanthropy and with support from CBC, the Public Health Agency of Canada recently announced the winner of The Play Exchange, a national challenge to find and support creative ideas to get Canadians living healthier lifestyles. Canadians voted for Trottibus as the winner and recipient of up to $1 million in investment funding from the federal government to put their active living plan into action across the country. This idea, submitted by the Canadian Cancer Society, is a walking school bus that has planned routes and stops and adult volunteers who accompany a group of elementary children to school, instead of taking the car. It is a safe and fun way to get to school every day of the week while being active.
We also continue to invest significantly in cancer research. Just this year, I announced more than $60 million in funding for over 80 innovative cancer research projects, thanks to investments by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, as well as a partnership between Brain Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society.
By joining forces, we are fostering innovation, making the most of our resources, amplifying the impact in our communities, and creating environments that help make the healthier choice the easier choice.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I commend the work of the Canadian Cancer Society and similar organizations that are dedicated to battling cancer. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about cancer prevention and treatment and show their support to those living with cancer.
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
