Childhood Cancer Canada seeks $15M federal funding as support demand surges 40 percent
The organization says government funding hasn't kept pace with rising need. About 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer annually in Canada, often forcing parents to leave work.
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Childhood Cancer Canada is calling on the federal government for $15 million in the next budget to sustain financial support programs for families navigating childhood cancer treatment. The organization says demand for its support has surged 40 percent over the past two years, but government funding has not kept pace.
About 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in Canada. For many families, a diagnosis means a parent leaves work or reduces hours to become a full-time caregiver. The financial pressures extend far beyond treatment — they can continue long after a child's recovery.
Kyle Smith, spokesperson for Childhood Cancer Canada, said the moment demands action. "This is the time to step up, talk to our parliamentary leaders, as well as make sure those families going through it have a helping hand," Smith said.
Parents caring for children with cancer often face lasting financial consequences. "That's no RRSPs being built up, that is no other benefit," Smith said. "Their retirement is impacted, the child's retirement or education fund is impacted."
Many parents in this situation are under age 40, meaning decades of lost earning potential ahead. The organization is also seeking changes to tax credits and employment insurance requirements to better support families.
Sloane Masikewich was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in May 2023. The diagnosis forced Sloane to miss Grade 1 entirely due to treatment and a compromised immune system. Grades 2 and 3 were interrupted by hospital trips. "It was hard not being in school and not being able to see my friends, but I enjoyed the time I got to spend with my mom and dad in the hospital," Sloane said.
This school year marks the first year Sloane doesn't have to be in treatment. "This is the first year she doesn't have to be in treatment, which is really incredible for our family and for Sloane," Claire Masikewich, Sloane's mother, said. "The added financial stress for families on top of what you're already going through is just not needed."
Childhood Cancer Canada raises awareness, funds research, and provides support to families navigating the diagnosis. The organization says financial stability allows parents to focus on caring for children during treatment rather than scrambling to keep bills paid.
How many families received financial support from Childhood Cancer Canada in each of the past two years?
What was the total amount of government funding Childhood Cancer Canada received in the previous fiscal year compared to the current one?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How much federal funding is Childhood Cancer Canada requesting?
$15 million in the next federal budget to sustain financial support programs for families affected by childhood cancer.
By how much has demand for Childhood Cancer Canada's support grown?
Demand has surged 40 percent over the past two years, outpacing the growth in government funding.
How many children are diagnosed with cancer annually in Canada?
About 1,500 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in Canada.
