CALGARY – Fundraising for a new one-stop cancer centre in Calgary appears to be over, with no intentions of planning or budgeting for a new building or renovation at the Foothills site, according to an internal document from the Alberta Cancer Foundation. It’s an admission that worries cancer patients in Calgary, who already spend time visiting various locations to access comprehensive care.
The document references a meeting in late February or early March between the foundation, Premier Jim Prentice and Minister of Health Stephen Mandel.
“The Premier remained firm with his public messaging that these are difficult times for the province and hard choices are being made on many fronts, including for the Calgary Cancer Centre,” it said.
Breast cancer patient Jenn Birchall says she doesn’t know how improved cancer care will work without adding another location. She’s spent the last five years running around the city to access health care.
“I think in an election year…it seems to me that the politicians that are playing politics with this—it’s morally corrupt,” she said.
John Osler from the Concerned Citizens for the Calgary Cancer Centre says the city’s care doesn’t stack up against other Alberta cities.
“I think Calgarians can fairly ask: Why does Edmonton have a comprehensive cancer centre, and why are Calgary cancer patients going to three, four, five sites just for basic cancer care?”
READ MORE: Alberta Cancer Care head says Calgary’s treatment needs must be addressed
Though the note stressed plans were not firm and that more information is expected to come from the March 26 budget, it suggested facilities would be developed in two phases and at two sites.
Phase 1, expected to be described in the upcoming budget, will include a “significantly reduced scope and cost, located at the South Health Campus” with a focus on “core ambulatory cancer services.” The document said the Tom Baker Cancer Centre will continue to provide services.
Phase 2 was referenced as a “potential new build or renovation at Foothills” but with “no intent to actively plan nor budget” at this time.
The document said it’s “clear that a special capital campaign for the Centre may no longer be required” and the foundation has let go of its campaign executive director as a result, effective March 31.
“The government is not expecting philanthropic support from the Foundation,” said the note. The Alberta Cancer Foundation had initially committed $200 million, with the government putting aside $181 million. Construction was originally slated to begin in 2015 or 2016.
“Where is the recognition that this is a crushing blow to cancer patients, to cancer survivors like me, people who have been through the system?” asked Osler. “People who are being told that—not only is it not going to get better, it’s probably going to get worse.”
When asked about the document, Mandel said the province is trying to meet the demands for care.
“We know that Calgarians need a new cancer facility, and we’ll do all we can to see what we can do to meet the demands of everyone across the province.”
In an email to Global News, Mandel’s press secretary Steve Buick said the government’s position remains as they’ve said “in public for weeks.”
“We’re looking at South Campus, we’re working to make this project happen, we’ll confirm what we are able to do in the budget,” wrote Buick.
Plans for the centre were meant to include inpatient beds, advanced cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies, an outpatient facility and a dedicated research space.
In February, Buick said Mandel was “looking hard” at the South Campus as an alternative to Foothills for the new cancer centre.
“The minister has committed the cancer centre as one of his highest priorities for this year’s budget and the people of Calgary should certainly be optimistic,” said Buick on Feb. 10.
READ MORE: South Health Campus cancer centre location will save money: minister
The latest document suggests the foundation will meet with Mandel this month to provide an “overview of plans.”
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