In the ever-demanding health care field, Sarnia Lampton MP Marilyn Gladu shined a light on nationwide gaps of hospice palliative care in Canada with Bill C-277 An Act Providing for the Development of Framework on Palliative Care in Canada
In Canada there is a noted disparity amongst access to hospice palliative care. While 75% of Canadians would choose to die in their home, statistics suggest that only 15% of Canadians are dying where they prefer (CIHI, 2018). The royal assent of Bill C-277 marks the beginning of a new era for Canadians who seek hospice and palliative care.
Marilyn Gladu, MP collaborated with local, regional and national palliative care organizations and services, she tabled a Private Members Bill in the House of Commons in May 2016. This Bill proposed to develop a national framework for palliative care in Canada. Bill C-277, An Act Providing for the Development of Framework on Palliative Care in Canada and received Royal Assent in December 2017. The QELCCC was recognized as one of the key palliative care stakeholders in this framework.
The QELCCC advocates for an integrated hospice palliative approach to care that includes individuals’ health care wishes up to, and at the end of life are shared, understood, respected, and acted upon. As well, better support for caregivers and further education of health care providers with core competencies in palliative care are key messages embodied within the framework. Bill C-277, An Act Providing for the Development of Framework on Palliative Care in Canada provides a clear national guideline for the development of a national framework that affirms the importance of Canadians’ choices and access to care. We congratulate Marilyn Gladu for her accomplishments and dedication to improving access to hospice palliative care for Canadians.
For Media enquiries:
Cristina Deroo
Communications Officer
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA)
T: (613) 241-3663
[email protected]