QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Cancer
April 15, 2026
Government leader, a recent report on the state of cancer in Canada in the Canadian Medical Association Journal projects that nearly half of Canadians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. This year alone, the report predicts over 254,000 new cases and 88,000 deaths. Although there has been some progress, concerning trends have been emerging: increased lung cancer among women, rising pancreatic cancer rates and persistently high cervical cancer rates.
Senator Moreau, this scenario makes one thing clear: Your government needs to act with urgency. What concrete actions is your government taking to address these worrying trends?
Minister of Health Marjorie Michel was here for Question Period a few weeks ago, and she answered the questions that were asked at that time. You may think otherwise, but it is not the case. Senator Martin, she told senators that she is working with every health minister in the provinces and territories to make sure that there is proper funding and that the research follows to meet the needs of Canadians in all areas of health, especially cancer.
The government is well aware that there is an issue concerning cancer across Canada and, I would say, all across the world, unfortunately.
I think the key is access to treatment or screening. There are gaps in screening, and there are many risk factors that are still insufficiently addressed. Will your government commit to expanding access to early detection and prevention programs so that fewer Canadians face a cancer diagnosis?
A cancer diagnosis is a tragedy for everybody. The government is committed to working with the provinces and other governments, because the provinces and territories are the ones who provide services where health is concerned, and to properly fund the provinces to make sure that they are able to detect the earliest stage of cancer.
