October 7, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The Ontario government is setting a global standard in cancer care with the launch of the Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program; the first initiative of its kind in Canada to fast-track access to groundbreaking cancer drugs.
This bold new program will allow patients to access life-saving cancer treatments up to a year sooner, dramatically cutting delays and improving access to cutting-edge therapies across the province.
“For thousands of Ontarians facing a cancer diagnosis, fast access to treatment is critical,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Through this historic initiative, our government is putting patients first and leading the world in delivering innovative cancer care faster than ever before.”
Currently, Canadian patients wait almost two years to access new publicly funded medicines; roughly a year longer than those in many other developed countries. The three-year pilot program will accelerate access to seven to ten high-priority cancer drugs each year; all approved through Health Canada’s Project Orbis; an international partnership that expedites approval for promising cancer therapies.
Unlike traditional models that delay access during lengthy national pricing negotiations, the FAST program will begin public funding immediately while negotiations continue, ensuring Ontario patients can receive treatment without unnecessary waits.
The initiative supports the province’s broader health plan, “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care,” aimed at expanding access to innovative treatments and ensuring Ontarians receive timely, life-saving care closer to home.
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