April 7, 2025

Check against delivery

It is an honour to be with you today on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation.

Those who, like you, have faced the challenges of cancer—whether personally or through your support of a loved one—are shining examples of strength and courage.

Your resilience mirrors that of the daffodil, pushing through the cold earth to bloom in the spring.

You have the courage to fight for recovery and health.

You have been able to find light even in the darkest moments. Some of you have found the strength to share your story so that it serves as a beacon of hope for others. 

In my mother tongue, Inuktitut, the word we commonly used for cancer until recently meant ‘a disease without a cure.’ But new words have been created across different Inuit regions.

In Nunavut, for instance, the new word for cancer, Ippinnaittulijuq, means ‘something you do not feel until after the fact.’

Rather than perceiving it as an incurable disease, we now refer to it as a condition that can be managed, with better outcomes.

This positive shift is largely due to the dedication of volunteers, caregivers and health care professionals like you.

The Canadian Cancer Society has been instrumental in spreading hope across the country for many years.

This enduring impact is why successive governors general, including myself, have served as patron of your esteemed organization.

Your work extends well beyond funding vital research. Every spring, during Daffodil Month, you play a crucial role in raising awareness and support.

Your community services are priceless for patients and their family.

Your community services make a huge difference, both physically and emotionally, to people living with cancer, and to their families and friends. 

I was deeply touched to read a story about an Inuk woman, Sophie, who had to make the long journey from northern Quebec to Montréal to receive chemotherapy.

Like many Inuit patients, including my own mother, she struggled to find health care providers who could speak her language so far from home.

So, I was amazed to learn that the Canadian Cancer Society collaborated with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to create information booklets available in three Inuit dialects spoken in the North.

What an extraordinary way to promote inclusive care nationwide, and to support patients like Sophie on their healing journeys.

This is only one example of your amazing initiatives. Thank you so much for everything you do.

Keep raising awareness about the needs of Canadians who are battling cancer. Continue spreading hope to everyone affected.

And please celebrate every victory, no matter how small.

Enjoy the Summit!