By Yolande Usher | Corporate Development Officer
“When my husband was hospitalized in May 2013, I was advised to take my 6-week compassionate leave so I could be with him as he wasn’t expected to live much longer. In August of the same year, Michael was still alive, albeit in a poor state, but my leave had run out. I had to go back to work. Death doesn’t happen on a schedule, and compassionate care benefits should support that.” – Helene Hardy
After being a caregiver for 8 years while her husband, Michael, fought cancer, Helene Hardy knows the importance of being there for loved ones in their time of need. The improved compassionate care benefit proposed this August will help more families care for their loved ones and puts a spotlight on health for the first time in this federal election campaign.
We encourage all federal parties to make health a priority in their election platforms.
A plan for a better compassionate care benefit, announced this August by the Liberal Party of Canada, will make essential financial support available to more families who are struggling to make ends meet while dealing with cancer and other critical illnesses.
“This announcement puts a spotlight on Canadians’ health needs for the first time in this campaign, nearly 3 weeks after it officially began, and starts a discussion that must grow over the next 2 months,” says Gabriel Miller, Director of Public Issues, Canadian Cancer Society. “This is a step forward in making sure caregivers receive the support, care and resources they need, and it’s a step all parties must now build on.”
As Canada faces a projected 40% increase in cancer cases over the next 15 years, we’ll need sustainable health systems that guarantee all Canadians have access to high-quality care in their homes and communities, outside of the hospital.
Your support allows us to continue our advocacy work to acheive our mission of eradicating cancer, and enhancing the lives of those living with cancer.
Thank you for joining us in the fight against cancer.
The Canadian Cancer Society Staff and Volunteers
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