Advocacy at CF Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a proud champion for people living with cystic fibrosis. Over the past few years, we’ve led important, impactful advocacy initiatives in Canada, ensuring the voices of Canadians with CF and their needs are represented in the highest offices of our nation, calling for vital change.
Access to medicines
As a result of our work together with the CF community, every province and territory now funds the transformational CF drug Trikafta for eligible people in Canada aged six and older who have at least one copy of the most common cystic fibrosis mutation in Canada. Some jurisdictions are reimbursing for those ages 2 and over, and we are hopeful more will come on board soon.
But access to drugs like Trikafta is still not equitable across the country. There are still significant access barriers faced by many in our community and we continue to use our strength in advocacy to fight for fair and affordable access to all needed therapies for CF.
Rare disease strategy
In March 2023 the federal government committed $1.5 billion over three years for start-up and $500 million annually thereafter to support a nation-wide strategy for rare disease drugs. We have advocated for a strategy for some time and will continue our work to ensure that our community benefits. We won’t stop until we see equitable and affordable access to drugs for rare diseases like Trikafta.
Bringing Trikafta to CanadaPushing for change
We have a 65-year+ track record of driving needed change for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. We have pushed federal, provincial and territorial governments over the years, in partnership with the CF community, achieving successes such as needed amendments to the Income Tax Act in 2000 or the universal implementation of CF newborn screening (NBS) tests across Canada by 2017. We work with our community to increase access to mental health, disability and financial support. Today our work continues for access to the latest innovative CF medicines.
Healthcare & Medicine
National Advocacy Network
Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s National Advocacy Network is made up of volunteers across Canada, increasing our reach to actively influence public policy related to cystic fibrosis nationwide.
Our advocates have a significant impact on the way CF issues are addressed in Canada. Working with CF Canada’s guidance, support and training, advocates build relationships with elected and non-elected officials to increase support for programs, services and policies that can improve the health and quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis.
Learn about joining the Network
Become an advocate
Do you want to join the fight for access to life-saving cystic fibrosis treatments and other vital services in Canada? As an advocate, you will learn about the issues facing Canadians with CF, be a part of a vibrant network of people doing great work and have access to toolkits, expert training and resources to raise our collective voices.