National Grief and Bereavement Day 

The third Tuesday in November marks the annual National Grief and Bereavement Day in Canada. On this day, CHPCA encourages Canadians to engage government and all sectors of Canadian society in a national dialogue to identify and support access to the necessary resources for those living with grief and bereavement. 

November 18th, 2025 

Help Close Canada’s Grief Literacy Gap

Many people find it awkward to talk about death, loss, or grief. Grief is often misunderstood – by those who are experiencing it and by those trying to help.

Everyone will face loss at some point, but few of us are prepared for how long it can last, how deep it can feel, or how it changes our lives and the lives of the people we love.

When personal connection matters most, many who are grieving feel alone, misunderstood, and unsupported. Even well-meaning friends and family often struggle to provide comfort or guidance in the ways that are most helpful.

On National Grief and Bereavement Day, support grief literacy in Canada.

#Grief #GriefLiteracy

Next National Grief and Bereavement Day | November 17, 2026

What is Grief?

Grief is the natural way our bodies and minds respond to the loss of someone who has died. Everyone experiences it in their own way, and many people even begin to feel grief before death occurs.

How grief can feel

  • Emotions: sadness, anger, worry, guilt, relief – and these feelings can swing quickly from one to another.
  • Mind: difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, racing thoughts.
  • Body: trouble sleeping, fatigue, aches or pains, loss of appetite or eating more than usual.

Grief is personal

  • Two people who lose the same loved one may react completely differently.
  • What comforts you today might feel useless tomorrow, and what helps a friend may not help you.

 Bottom line – Whatever your grief looks like, it is real and it is valid. You deserve to experience it in the way that is true for you.

Get Involved

Get involved this National Grief and Bereavement Day by asking your local elected officials to fund and promote grief literacy programs in Canada.

Why it matters

  • Grief touches every Canadian multiple times, yet most people lack the knowledge to cope or to support others.
  • When governments invest in public education, training for frontline workers and community-based support groups, families feel less isolated and more resilient.

What you can do today (3 step plan)

  1. Find your local representative
    • Visit the Government of Canada “Find my MP” page (https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en ) or your provincial/municipal website to get the email and phone number of the councillor, MLA/MPP, or MP for your area.
  2. Send a brief, heartfelt message
    • Use the template below (customise with your name, community and any recent local examples of grief support gaps).
    • Keep it under 150 words; clear requests get the fastest response.
  3. Amplify the ask
    • Share your email or a screenshot of your call on social media with the hashtag #GriefLiteracy and tag your representative.
    • Encourage friends, neighbours, and local leaders and businesses to do the same before the end of the day.

2025 Campaign Kit

The campaign kit contains campaign materials, including customizable designs on Canva. Use these resources to help raise awareness, foster connection, and #MakeGriefaPrioirity.

#GriefLiteracy

Next Steps Action Plan

The Canadian Grief Alliance’s Next Steps Action Plan calls for national leadership, collaboration, and concrete actions to bring Canada in line with other countries that make grief a priority.

Nova Scotia Provincial Grief Symposium 2025

Nova Scotia Grief Alliance (NSGA) – co-led by the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association (NSHPCA) and Nova Scotia Health – will host the first annual Nova Scotia Provincial Grief Symposium on National Grief and Bereavement Day, November 18, 2025, at the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville. This free, province-wide event will bring together professionals, community organizations, and grief support providers to share knowledge, connect, and learn from one another. The day will include keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and free exhibitor spaces for community organizations.

Details: November 18, 2025, Old Orchard Inn, Wolfville

Register: nsgriefalliance.com/grief-symposium

Grief and Bereavement Resources Across Canada

Grief and Bereavement Resource Repository 

A collection of useful links and resources to help you and your loved ones cope with grief.

About Grief

Search for grief resources and events from across Canada. You can also submit an event.

KidsGrief.ca

A free, online resource that helps parents support their children when someone in their life is dying or has died.

Canadian Healing Quilt

When someone important to you dies, the grief can feel overwhelming. Finding ways to honour their memory can help. Create a lasting tribute for someone important to you.

Canadian Alliance for Children’s Grief

Resources for persons supporting children and youth grieving the dying or death of a loved one.

NSHPCA Resources

Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association “I am grieving a death resources.

BC Bereavement Helpline

Compassionate listening, support, information, and referrals to resources

Hospice PEI Resources

Grief support from Hospice PEI for those who have lost a loved one.

Alberta Health Services

Grief and bereavement support available for people who have experienced the death of a family member or significant other.

NL Health Services

Grief and bereavement services in Newfoundland and Labrador

HPCO Resources

Grief and bereavement resources from Hospice Palliative Care Ontario

Government of Quebec

Grief assistance services for people who live in Quebec.

Palliative Manitoba Resources

Telephone bereavement support for people in Manitoba.

SK Health Authority

Grief and bereavement resources from the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Compassionate Grief Centre

Community programs and resources in New Brunswick.

Hospice Yukon

A variety of groups to support the range of ways people find healing in their grief.

Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Helpline

A toll-free helpline that provides grief and bereavement support.

NWT Health and Social Services Authority

Grief and bereavement resources and support in the Northwest Territories.

Your Donations Matter

CHPCA advocates for accessible quality hospice palliative care across the country. We do this so one day, everyone in Canada with a life-limiting illness can access care that alleviates their suffering when they need it most. Your support is essential to this work.

Nurse helping elderly patient

Sponsor 

Thank you to this year’s National Grief and Bereavement Day sponsor. 

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Contact

Do you have questions about this campaign, or about hospice palliative care in Canada?

CHPCA News

  • Press Release

    Celebrating Excellence in Pediatric Palliative Care: Dr. Hal Siden Named Recipient of the 2025 Pediatric Award of Excellence

    Dr. Hal Siden announced as the recipient of the 2025 Pediatric Award of Excellence. This award recognizes Dr. Siden’s extraordinary leadership, vision, and impact on pediatric palliative care (PPC) in Canada and across the globe.

  • Press Release

    Breakfast on the Hill: Bringing the Experience of Palliative Care to Federal Decisionmakers

    On November 19, the Palliative Care Coalition of Canada (PCCC) hosted its annual Breakfast on the Hill at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) was pleased to participate as a member of the PCCC.

  • Press Release

    Dr. Balfour Mount 1939-2025

    The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) joins the world in mourning the loss of a true pioneer and the "father of palliative care," Dr. Balfour Mount (1939-2025).