The Ontario government is positioning itself as a global leader in cancer care with the launch of the Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program — a new initiative designed to give patients faster access to breakthrough cancer drugs. The program makes Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to fast-track public access to innovative, life-saving therapies.
The three-year pilot program will allow patients to receive some of the world’s most advanced cancer treatments almost a full year sooner than current timelines, dramatically reducing delays that have long hindered access to new medicines.
“For thousands of Ontarians facing a cancer diagnosis, fast access to treatment is critical, which is why our government is transforming cancer care and speeding up access to new and life-changing treatment options,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The launch of this historic program is another way we are continuing to lead not only the country, but the world, by putting Ontario patients first, opening the door for faster public access to innovative medicines.”
A Global First in Cancer Care
On average, Canadian patients wait nearly two years for publicly funded access to new medicines — almost a year longer than patients in other developed nations. The FAST program aims to cut that time dramatically by expediting access to seven to ten high-priority cancer drugs annually that have been approved by Health Canada under Project Orbis, an international initiative that accelerates regulatory approval for promising cancer therapies.
Unlike traditional funding models that delay patient access until pricing negotiations and regulatory approvals are completed, FAST allows Ontario to begin public funding immediately while those discussions continue. The result is faster access to potentially life-saving treatments, ensuring patients don’t wait unnecessarily while administrative processes unfold.
“The Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments program marks an unprecedented milestone in Ontario’s commitment to unlocking new opportunities in the life sciences and accelerating the development of life-saving treatments,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Ontario is proud to be the first jurisdiction in Canada to address these long-standing barriers to innovation, and we look forward to seeing this program drive further discovery, attract investment, and set a new benchmark for patient-centered care for our nation.”
Bridging Research and Real-World Care
Health leaders across the province have hailed the FAST program as a major advancement in connecting scientific discovery with patient care.
“The FAST program exemplifies the power of translational medicine — moving discoveries from the research bench to the patient’s bedside with remarkable speed,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO of University Health Network (UHN). “At UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, we see every day how early access to breakthrough therapies transforms hope, survival, and quality of life. Early access to cancer drugs is fundamental to comprehensive care alongside prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We applaud the Government of Ontario for its bold leadership in removing barriers and accelerating innovation, raising the bar for equitable, evidence-based cancer care across Canada.”
Dr. Keith Stewart, Director of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, echoed this view: “This is a welcome and much-needed initiative at a crucial time for people living with cancer. Faster access to new and potentially life-saving treatments can make an enormous difference. We are grateful for the Government’s commitment to speeding up the approval process, giving patients and their families the precious gift of time and hope.”
Industry Backs Ontario’s Leadership
Leaders from across the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries have praised Ontario’s initiative as a model for the rest of Canada.
“With the launch of the FAST program, Ontario becomes the first province to accelerate patient access to select high-priority cancer medicines for those with the greatest unmet medical need,” said Gaby Bourbara, President of AstraZeneca Canada. “This initiative highlights Ontario’s leadership and aligns with best practices seen in other countries around the world.”
Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada, said the program will make a tangible difference for patients: “For people facing a breast cancer diagnosis, every day is crucial. The Ontario government’s FAST program marks a significant step forward by reducing wait times for access to breakthrough treatments that can change and save lives.”
Other pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi, GSK, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, and Novartis, also voiced strong support for Ontario’s plan. “The FAST program shows what’s possible when government and industry work together towards a shared goal: getting life-saving cancer medicines to people sooner,” said David Jones, President and Managing Director of Merck Canada. “By removing unnecessary delays, Ontario is setting a new Canadian standard proving that better access for patients and economic growth can advance together.”
Supporting Broader Health-Care Goals
The FAST program builds on Ontario’s Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, which focuses on improving access to critical services and treatment across the province. It complements the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program, one of the most comprehensive in Canada, covering nearly 5,900 drug products for approximately nine million residents.
Last year, the province invested $9.5 billion to support the ODB program, including $2.75 billion for cancer drugs and supportive therapies. Ontario is also receiving $178 million through a federal partnership under the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases, further strengthening access to advanced treatments for rare and life-threatening conditions.
Over the next decade, Ontario plans to invest nearly $60 billion in health infrastructure, expanding hospital capacity and adding thousands of new beds to meet growing demand.
“Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) congratulates the Government of Ontario on the launch of the Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program – a bold step toward faster access to life-saving treatments,” said Dr. Bettina Hamelin, President of IMC. “By reducing wait times for high-priority therapies by up to a full year, starting with cancer treatments, the government is setting a new national benchmark for patient-centred care.”
With the introduction of the FAST program, Ontario is not only transforming the delivery of cancer care but also positioning itself as a leader in global health innovation — reshaping how patients access the treatments that can save and extend lives.
