Advocacy at CF Canada

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a proud champion for people living with cystic fibrosis. Over the years, we’ve led important, impactful advocacy initiatives across Canada, ensuring the voices of Canadians with CF and their needs are represented in the highest offices of our nation, calling for vital change.

Group of people sitting at desks in front of a line of Canadian flags

Access to medicines

As a result of our work with the CF community, the transformational cystic fibrosis drug, Trikafta, is available nationwide for individuals aged 2 years and older, living with at least one copy of the most common CF mutation, F508del. In 2024, we worked together to achieve a Health Canada approval of Trikafta for an additional 152 rare mutations. In some jurisdictions, Trikafta is funded for this group, while others have expanded funding to include additional mutations.

Access to drugs like Trikafta is not equitable across the country, and there are still significant access barriers faced by many in our community. We continue to use our strength in advocacy to push for fair and affordable access to all therapies needed for those living with CF.

Learn more about drug access

Rare disease strategy

In March 2023, the federal government committed $1.5 billion over three years towards the development of a nationwide strategy for rare disease drugs and $500 million annually thereafter to support the program. We have continuously advocated for a rare disease strategy and will keep going to ensure that our community benefits. We won’t stop until we reach a future where equitable and affordable access to drugs for rare diseases, like Trikafta, becomes a reality.

Bringing Trikafta to Canada

Pushing for change

We have a 65-year track record of driving needed change for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. In partnership with the CF community, we have pushed federal, provincial, and territorial governments over the years achieving successes such as needed amendments to the Income Tax Act in 2000 and 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

Young girl with CF uses a breathing apparatus

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

Man poses with mask that reads ‘my cough if not contagious’

Become an advocate

Do you want to join the conversation 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 making lasting impact, and have access to toolkits, expert training, and resources to raise our collective voices.

Ready to Advocate?