October 18th, 2021

Gélinas calls for action on cancer treatment delays

QUEEN’S PARK – The Ford government must stop the delays in life saving cancer surgery and treatment for Ontarians who face the longest wait times in Canada, said Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas, the NDP’s health critic.

“Before the pandemic, Ontarians have expected—and received—the best cancer care services in Canada and beyond. However, today Ontario cancer patients face the longest appointment wait times in Canada,” said Gélinas.

“Patients are waiting 46 long days for their cancer surgery and 34 days for a cancer care appointment. These delays are having a profound impact on the health of cancer patients including the mental health of patients and caregivers.

“The frontline health care workers in cancer care are still the best in the country – but they’re run off their feet and unable to keep up. So what is this government’s plan to bring down the long wait time for cancer surgeries and cancer care?

A study from the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network has found that in addition to Ontario’s record high wait times for cancer treatment and surgery, 42 per cent of cancer patients are unsatisfied with the quality of their care, while for people trying to get their cancer diagnosis, 66 per cent are unsatisfied.

“Under this government our cancer care system is being eroded away. The drop in the quality of cancer care for Ontarians who desperately need it, is unacceptable,” said Gélinas. This government must provide an immediate action plan to bring back the timely and high quality cancer care that patients need and deserve.”