Childhood Cancer Canada is calling on the Canadian federal government for $15 million in the next federal budget to support families of children undergoing cancer treatment. The charity has seen a 40 percent increase in demand for its financial programs over the past two years. With about 1,500 annual childhood cancer diagnoses in Canada, families face severe economic strain, often forcing parents under 40 to leave work, which impacts long-term retirement and education savings.
Childhood Cancer Canada funding request
- ▪Childhood Cancer Canada is requesting $15 million from the Canadian federal government in the next federal budget to sustain its financial support programs
- ▪Childhood Cancer Canada is calling for policy changes involving federal tax credits to provide more direct support to families of children undergoing cancer treatment
Increased demand for financial programs
- ▪Childhood Cancer Canada has seen demand for its financial support programs rise 40 percent over the past two years
- ▪Childhood Cancer Canada states that government funding has not kept pace with the rising demand for the charity's financial support programs
Economic impact on caregiving families
- ▪Childhood cancer diagnoses often force parents to leave work or reduce hours, causing long-term financial consequences such as reduced retirement savings and education funds
- ▪Approximately 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in Canada, according to the charity Childhood Cancer Canada
Sloane Masikewich treatment journey
- ▪The school year starting in September 2026 marks the first year Sloane Masikewich does not have to undergo cancer treatment, allowing her to return to school full-time
- ▪Sloane Masikewich was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in May 2023, which disrupted her schooling through Grades 1, 2, and 3 due to hospital trips
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