Debate starts on palliative and end-of-life care

Today, parliamentarians will begin debate on M-456, an NDP motion to establish a pan-Canadian strategy on palliative and end-of-life care. The motion has strong support from medical organizations and NGOs that work with the sick and dying.

“A palliative care strategy is the common sense solution staring Canada’s political parties in the face” said NDP MP Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay). “New Democrats believe that with an aging population and the end of the Health Accord, the Conservative government needs to make its position on palliative care clear."

The call for a national palliative care strategy developed in collaboration with the provinces came from a 2011 all-party report.

"I am asking my colleagues in the Liberal and Conservative parties to work with us” said Angus. “There is a need across this country to ensure better access to palliative, home care and hospice treatment."