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 event brought together Members of Parliament, Senators, and federal policy staff for an interactive experience designed to highlight what palliative care looks like in practice, why it matters, and where Canada must act to improve access.
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) was pleased to participate as a member of the PCCC. Representatives from across the palliative care community volunteered their time to share expert insights and speak directly with federal decisionmakers. The room was designed as a series of museum-style stations, each showcasing a different part of the palliative care experience. These included:
- About Palliative Care
- Palliative Care at Home
- Palliative Care in a Hospice Residence
- The Future of Palliative Care in Canada
This format created space for conversation, learning, and connection. Many attendees were new to Parliament following the recent federal election, which made the event an important opportunity to build awareness and strengthen understanding of how palliative care improves quality of life for patients, caregivers, and communities.
A key message shared throughout the morning was the importance of sustained federal leadership in implementing the Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. Improving access requires continued investment, collaboration with the sector, and a commitment to culturally safer, equitable care for people in every region of the country.
The event also supported the launch of the PCCC’s parliamentary petition, which calls for renewed federal investment of $29.8 million to advance the Framework and strengthen palliative care across Canada. The petition remains open to the public in both official languages.
This advocacy work aligns with CHPCA’s strategic goals to influence public policy, raise awareness, support education, and collaborate with partners to ensure that everyone in Canada has equitable access to quality hospice palliative care.
The energy in the room demonstrated the strength and commitment of Canada’s palliative care community. CHPCA thanks the PCCC for convening this important event and is proud to continue contributing to national conversations that help advance compassionate, person-centred care for all Canadians.
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