NLIS 4
April 13, 2000
(Health and Community Services)

Government commits over $400,000 for new
cancer centre in the Western Region

As honourable members are probably aware, the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation benefitted from a successful VOCM/CFCB Garden of Hope Radiothon yesterday. More than $64,000 was raised to assist with maintaining the Garden of Hope at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre in St. John�s, and to provide much needed equipment at cancer centres across the province. Money pledged in the Western region specifically will go to the construction of the new cancer centre and the development of a Garden of Hope in Corner Brook. In the six years that the Garden of Hope Radiothon has been carried out, it has raised almost $200,000 to assist cancer patients and their families in this province. Many thanks to the citizens of this province who always make it a priority to make donations for good causes such as this one.

Today I want to inform MHAs that government is also concerned with ensuring patients in this province receive the kind of health care they need to manage their cancer illness. In a special one-time arrangement, the Department of Health and Community Services has recently provided $72,575 to allow the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation to complete renovations in the new Cancer Centre Western Region in Corner Brook. The redevelopment of this unit is well underway at a total cost of over $500,000. Including the recent payment, government provided over $400,000 of this total redevelopment cost, with the remaining raised again through fundraising. By providing this funding, the department is helping to ensure that cancer patients and their families have a state-of-the-art treatment centre in Corner Brook.

The quality care of cancer patients is important to this government. That�s why in Budget 2000, we provided approval for the replacement of Clinac 18, radiation therapy equipment which is instrumental in the treatment of cancer.

Cancer is one the leading causes of death in this province, and across the country. In conclusion, I would like to assure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that we have highly skilled health professionals caring for patients with cancer. We also have a solid cancer program, evidenced by the recent successful accreditation of the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation. The success of such programs is made much easier when governments, corporations like VOCM and CFCB, and the residents of this province work together for worthy initiatives. Thank you to all who participate in events like the radiothon yesterday.

2000 04 13                                                                     2:45 p.m.