FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Ottawa, ON May 12, 2026 — The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the first sessions in the 2026–2027 Learning Institute series. Designed for clinicians, interdisciplinary care providers, volunteers, educators, and others working across hospice palliative care, the Learning Institute offers practical, evidence-informed education that responds to evolving needs and priorities across Canada. 

The June sessions launch a year-long series that will feature more than 20 sessions running from June 2026 through March 2027. 

June 25, 2026 

Compassionate Communities in Action: From Inspiration to Implementation to Sustainability
Facilitated by Dr. Barbara Pesut, Dr. Gloria Puurveen, Melody Jobse, and Heather Neale Furneaux 

This interactive session will explore how compassionate community approaches can move from ideas to meaningful, sustainable action. Participants will examine practical strategies, real-world examples, and collaborative approaches that support communities in strengthening care, connection, and social support around serious illness, caregiving, grief, and bereavement. Learn more and register 

June 29, 2026 

The Seven Languages of Sorrow: We All Grieve Differently
Facilitated by Rev. Stephen Garrett 

This session offers participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of grief and bereavement through an exploration of the different ways people experience and express sorrow. Grounded in compassion and practical insight, the session will support participants in recognizing diverse grief responses and strengthening their ability to provide meaningful support. Learn more and register. 

Registration fees are: 

• $145 per session for general registration  

• $95 per session for students and provincial association members  

Planning to attend multiple CHPCA Learning Institute sessions? Multi-session bundles are available for individuals and organizations in bundles of 10, 15, and 20. 

The CHPCA Learning Institute is delivered in an online, multi-session format to increase accessibility and reduce barriers related to geography, travel, and cost while providing high-quality professional education to participants across Canada. 

For more information and to register, visit the CHPCA Learning Institute website. 

About the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association 

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) — the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada – is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in care for persons approaching death so that the burdens of suffering, loneliness and grief are lessened. CHPCA operates in close partnership with other national organizations and continues to work to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of where they may live, have equal access to quality hospice palliative care services for themselves and their family.  

Media Contact:
Tara Landry
Communications Officer