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Cancer is an Election Issue
UPDATE:
Thanks to our many supporter and volunteers for raising awareness of the Boarding, Transportation and Ostomy (BTO) Program throughout the Provincial Election.
We saw a groundswell of support through the 600 online letters of support. Each of the parties submitted their response to our question on BTO, which you can read below. Most significant, however, were the headline news stories, such as Cancer Support Program Flaws Become Election Issue, Family Critical of NS Cancer Support Program, and others aired on CBC New Nova Scotia, CBC News, and the Chronicle Herald.
A big special thanks to Susan Taylor and Maynard Simpson and Lodge residents Joey Johnstone and Michelle Ferguson for agreeing to share their stories with the media, and lending a powerful voice to this important fight.
The Liberal government was briefed on the BTO issue in the spring, and we look forward to working with them to see a change in this program.
The Canadian Cancer Society in Nova Scotia acknowledges the important role governments play in cancer prevention and health protection. All levels of government have the power to positively affect the health of their citizens.
The tools and information on this webpage are intended to inform you about the Society’s election priorities throughout the 2013 Nova Scotia Provincial Election. By voting for health, you can send a message to your MLA that cancer care and prevention is important to you. Join the conversation, and share what you’re doing to fight back. Engage your political candidates, and find out where they stand on issues.
Our goal throughout this election is to educate potential leaders about the importance of cancer-related issues and encourage them to support healthy public policy. Our goal is also to empower you, the voter, to act in the best interest of your health and that of your family, and to expect the same from your provincial government. Send a message that health is important to you!
Election Issues:
- Increase the maximum family income for the Boarding, Transportation & Ostomy (BTO) Program. This will ensure cancer patients across Nova Scotia are able to access life saving treatments, regardless of where they live in the province and their financial situation.
- Make the commitment necessary to implement Thrive! and provide increased annual investment to ensure its success. Our investment today in Thrive! will mean healthier Nova Scotians in the short term and in the future.
Reducing the burden of cancer

Canadians can help CCS fund the best research and support people living with cancer by donating and volunteering.