New funding for cancer research and wait times. Photo/AHS

By Haven Thibert

PROVINCIAL

Alberta reveals $800M investment in cancer care innovation

Mar 21, 2025 | 2:31 PM

Alberta’s government is investing $800 million over eight years in a new partnership to improve cancer care through research, new equipment and artificial intelligence.

The Cancer Innovation Value Partnership, in collaboration with Siemens Healthineers and the Alberta Cancer Foundation, aims to enhance early detection, reduce wait times, and improve treatment outcomes.

Premier Danielle Smith said Friday the investment will position Alberta as a cancer care leader.

“From prevention to detection to treatment, we are ensuring Albertans facing cancer receive the best care available,” Smith said.

Siemens Healthineers will contribute $175 million to support two new centers of excellence and research initiatives.

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The initiative includes replacing aging oncology treatment and imaging equipment and introducing an AI-enabled treatment unit that could reduce the time from consultation to treatment from two weeks to as little as two hours.

The province said emergency visits for oncology-related cases could drop by 30 per cent, while wait times for cancer care and treatment could be cut in half.

The Learning Centre of Excellence in Cancer Care, based at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, will focus on workforce training and integrating new technologies.

The Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in Cancer Care in Edmonton will develop AI and machine learning programs to improve cancer care delivery.

To further support cancer diagnostics, Budget 2025 proposes $168 million over three years for the Diagnostic Imaging Enhancements Program, with funds allocated to updating equipment and expanding imaging services.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation and Siemens Healthineers will also contribute $48 million to establish a medical research and innovation fund, aimed at attracting global talent and advancing cancer research.

Wendy Beauchesne, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, hailed the province’s investment as “a major leap forward for cancer care” that will fuel vital cancer research.

“We’re proud to be a partner in moving the needle here at home and a catalyst for bringing more effective, personalized treatments to patients sooner. This is a truly remarkable day for Alberta.”

Officials say the partnership will strengthen Alberta’s role as a leader in oncology research and innovation while addressing the increasing demand for cancer care due to a growing and aging population.