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CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/01/13 -- The Government of Alberta announced plans today to build a new cancer centre in Calgary. This $1.2 billion dollar project will be built in partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation - Alberta's largest cancer charity. The Alberta Cancer Foundation has committed to raise $200 million to support the new facility.

John Osler, Chairman of the Alberta Cancer Foundation's Board of Trustees states "For the past year, we have been working tirelessly with the Alberta Government and other health stakeholders to bring the dream of a comprehensive cancer facility to fruition." Osler, a cancer survivor, is overwhelmed by the announcement. "As a cancer survivor, I have seen the system from the inside," says Osler. "The promise and opportunity a facility of this nature brings - not only for Calgarians, but for all Albertans - is truly monumental."

Through the support of over 200,000 Alberta donors, the Alberta Cancer Foundation has funded more than $110 million towards cancer research, prevention and care over the past five years.

This new facility will provide cancer patients and their families all cancer services in one place, streamlining care. "Having a facility that gives patients access to the best research and the best care will offer improved outcomes for cancer patients in Calgary and Southern Alberta," says Dr. Paul Grundy, Senior Vice President and Senior Medical Director of Alberta Health Services Cancer Care. "There are tremendous benefits to cancer patients when the best minds in cancer research, clinical practice and care work together, as a comprehensive cancer team."

Fred Horne, Minister of Alberta Health, outlines the importance of partnerships in this project. "On behalf of cancer patients and their families, present and future, I welcome the partnership of all Albertans and Alberta organizations in supporting the fight against cancer," said Fred Horne, Minister of Health. "I especially thank the Alberta Cancer Foundation for their leadership and financial support in helping make this new cancer facility a reality, and I encourage people everywhere to show their support."

Researchers will be closer to oncologists and patients, offering valuable insight into their work. "The goal of research is to offer innovative approaches to identifying and treating cancer," says Dr. Gregory Cairncross, the Alberta Cancer Foundation Chair of Brain Tumour Research. "Being able to work shoulder to shoulder with patients and the cancer care team provides key feedback that will further enhance our progress."

"Our donors are Albertans and they have told us that a new cancer facility in Calgary is their priority," says Myka Osinchuk, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. "As Alberta's largest cancer charity, we will continue to make progress towards a cancer-free future on behalf of cancer patients, their families and our donors."

About the Alberta Cancer Foundation

The Alberta Cancer Foundation is Alberta's largest health foundation, with over 200,000 donors raising over $37 million dollars for cancer research, prevention and care in 2011/12. As an Alberta-based foundation, all money raised by Albertans stays in Alberta to support research, programs and services throughout the province.