Yesterday afternoon, the House of Commons almost unanimously voted in favor of Motion M-456, recognizing that there is a need for national strategies, frameworks and blueprints in hospice palliative and end-of-life care. The motion also recognizes the need to support caregivers, improve the consistency of home care, and encourage Canadians to plan for end of life by starting conversations about advance care planning.

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association applauds this month’s federal government announcement that it will provide more support for parents of critically ill children through a new employment insurance benefit. The benefit will assist in alleviating some of the financial burden associated with caring for a sick child.

On May 6, 2012, thousands of Canadians of all ages will gather on walking paths, parks, and hiking trails across Canada to celebrate the 10th Annual Hike for Hospice Palliative Care. Although organized as a national event, each Hike is hosted locally.

Most of us hope to be able to communicate to the very end of our lives – but it doesn’t always happen that way.  A Task Group representing over 25 associations across Canada has released its National Framework or Advance Care Planning, with the goal of providing guidance for implementing this importance practice into our health system to ensure that your voice is heard – even when you cannot speak for yourself.