Servier Canada, in collaboration with HEAL Canada, is launching a new initiative called the Patient Engagement Council (PEC).

About Servier Canada’s PEC

The Patient Engagement Council (PEC) is part of Servier Canada’s long-term commitment to meaningfully integrate patient needs, insights, and lived experiences across its oncology programs, from early research through to access, support, and care delivery.

The PEC brings together patients, caregivers, and representatives from patient organizations to share diverse perspectives and provide insights that can help inform oncology practices and priorities. The PEC will focus on 3 disease areas: brain cancer, blood cancer, cholangiocarcinoma.

What participation involves

Members of the Patient Engagement Council will have the opportunity to:

• Share their experiences and perspectives on cancer treatment and care.
• Collaborate with other patients, caregivers and patient organization representatives.
• Contribute feedback to help inform educational materials, initiatives, and resources for the oncology community.

Patients and caregivers unique insights can significantly impact patient-centred initiatives, and we believe that their involvement will help enhance the understanding of patients’ needs and improve the quality of care provided.

Expected scope of involvement includes, but is not limited to:

1. Attending and actively participating in 2-3 PEC virtual meetings during the year

2. Completing pre-reading or preparation activities in advance of meetings

3. Reviewing documents or initiatives and providing feedback

4. Allocating up to approximately 15 hours over the year for meetings, preparation, and review activities

Who should consider applying

Patients or caregivers who have been affected by brain cancer and who are interested in learning more about this initiative are encouraged to express their interest. For additional information or to discuss participation, please contact HEAL Canada at: Cheryl Petruk: cheryl.petruk@healcanada.org

Last year, we developed a submission on Bill C-277: An Act to establish a national strategy on brain injury to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Brain injuries are one of the most prevalent yet underrecognized health conditions affecting Canadians. Over 1.5 million Canadians are living with acquired brain injury. Many people are aware that events like sports injuries, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, military events, and falls are frequent causes of brain injuries.  Few people recognize that conditions like stroke, overdose, or brain tumours also cause a considerable number of brain injuries every year in Canada. 

One year later, though political directions have changed, advocacy efforts remain steadfast as Member of Parliament Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) introduced Private Members Bill C-206, an Act to establish a national strategy on brain injuries, on June 10, 2025. (Read Bill 206 or watch video of Bill 206 introduction at the House of Commons).

We need to keep brain injury on the Government of Canada’s radar. Please take a moment to sign e-Petition 6620, urging them to adopt a National Strategy on Brain Injury, which will lead to better prevention, care, and support nationwide, ultimately improving outcomes for millions and reducing the long-term social and economic impacts.

Sign the Petition

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada continues to support the ongoing efforts of Brain Injury Canada, along with other partner organizations and individuals in the brain injury community, in advocating for a national strategy. Brain injury is a significant public health issue in Canada, affecting millions of individuals and families, including the brain tumour community. Despite its prevalence, brain injury remains underfunded, underserved, and frequently misunderstood. By establishing a comprehensive strategy, we can enhance prevention, promote research, and improve care, ultimately leading to better outcomes for Canadians living with brain injuries.

People with cancer and their caregivers shoulder 20% of Canada’s total cancer costs – amounting to a staggering $7.5 billion this year alone. With rising cost of living, and more people in Canada facing a cancer diagnosis due to a growing and aging population, this number is expected to climb over the next decade to $8.8 billion per year. These can make an already difficult journey feel overwhelming. We need to act now, as a society, to make cancer care more affordable for everyone. Let’s work together to create a future where everyone in Canada can access the care they need without the added financial stress.

Sign the Petition

The CanCertainty Coalition is the united voice of more than 30 Canadian patient groups, cancer health charities, and caregiver organizations from across the country, joining together with oncologists and cancer care professionals to significantly improve the affordability and accessibility of cancer treatment. We are committed to ensuring all Canadians have CanCertainty – certainty that if cancer strikes them or their loved ones they will have fair and equal access to cancer treatment – no matter their age, cancer type, treatment type or where they live.

In partnership with CanCertainty, Rethink Breast Cancer has recently launched a petition to advocate for Ontario cancer patients to have equal access to take-home cancer treatment drugs.

view website sign petition

• In June 2023, we shared a petition launched by Disability without Poverty, whose mission is to build a movement that lifts people with disabilities out of poverty in Canada by mobilizing grassroots power, working with government, and securing public support for ending disability poverty.
• As a result of tireless advocacy efforts, the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations have now been determined and the CDB has been delivered on time; what Employment and Social Development Canada calls “a significant and historic accomplishment”. Canadians between 18 and 64 years old can qualify for the benefit if they have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and meet the benefit’s other eligibility requirements.
• Although advocacy is ongoing to ensure the needs of Canadians with disabilities are met, this is a welcome announcement that provides the opportunity to access crucial funds and support.
• Applications to receive the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) are now open. Click here for more information on how to apply.