NOTICE: CF Patients Produce Video for Premier Ford

March 22, 2021 – A grassroots Cystic Fibrosis group has produced a video calling on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to champion their fight for access to life-changing medications. 

The video tells the stories of five young Ontarians and their families whose efforts to gain access to new gene modulator therapies are being frustrated by bureaucratic hurdles. The treatments are available and paid for in more than 30 countries around the world.

Orkambi and Kalydeco are approved for use in Canada but are subject to restrictive prescribing criteria. Trikafta was submitted to Health Canada in December and is pending approval. 

Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott has committed to including the medicines on the province’s formulary as soon as the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance negotiates a price.

“Ontario CF patients are entitled to these therapies which can improve and extend their lives,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal disease. Those suffering from it can’t continue waiting. They need and deserve a champion.”