Health Charities on Federal Response to Senate Recommendations on Canada’s Charitable Sector

Ottawa – April 12, 2021

The Health Charities Coalition of Canada (HCCC) is pleased to see a “commitment to be responsive to the needs of Canada’s charitable and non-profit sector, so that they can continue to make their essential contribution to building a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient nation” highlighted in the federal government’s response to the recommendations of the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector, issued on March 30, 2021.

“The recovery for Canada’s health charities will directly benefit people living with diseases and their families. Our members are keen to work with the federal government to find ways to support our members’ lifesaving research initiatives and ensure the increased demands for patient support services driven by the pandemic can be met,” said Elisabeth Baugh, HCCC Chair and CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada.

HCCC member charities have been meeting with Parliamentarians and government officials throughout the pandemic, to share the impact that COVID-19 is having and seeking the creation of up to a $131 million funding program to support people living with complex conditions and diseases. This would include a $103 million funding program to support research initiatives that are at risk and $28 million to support patient programming and services.

HCCC supports key commitments made to create opportunities to directly involve sector organizations in modernizing the legislation and regulations that govern our sector and welcomes the creation of a Social Innovation Advisory Committee Council. Enabling the roadmap to a stronger charitable sector will support equitable, diverse, and resilient communities.   

“The government response to the Senate report acknowledges the important contribution that charities and non-profits make to improving the social, economic and health outcomes in our communities. We are hopeful that Budget 2021 will provide much needed stimulus and supports for our sector, so that we can continue to serve our communities” said Connie Côté, CEO of the Health Charities Coalition of Canada. 

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About the Health Charities Coalition of Canada

Founded in 2000, the Health Charities Coalition of Canada is a member-based organization comprised of national health charities and patient groups who represent the voice of patients at all levels of the health continuum.  Our mission is to strengthen the voice of Canadians, patients, and caregivers by promoting enhanced health policy and increased investment in health research.  A full list of our members can be found at /membership/our-members.aspx

For more information:

Nkeonye Aniagu

Health Charities Coalition of Canada

613-809-1551