Thursday

Canadian Government committed to increasing palliative care training across the country



Helping to facilitate training in palliative care for front-line healthcare providers

OTTAWA, Ontario - March 6, 2014 - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health committed to increased palliative care training to help Canadians receive the compassionate palliative care they need.

Funding is being provided to the Pallium Foundation of Canada for an initiative called,Building the Future of Palliative Care Together, which aims to strengthen the community of clinicians, caregivers, educators, administrators, volunteers, citizens and other partners. Through this program the Pallium Foundation will equip more front-line healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge they need to care for people with life-threatening conditions. This is expected to enhance the reach of palliative care services for the growing number of Canadians living with life-threatening conditions across rural, remote and urban settings, including Aboriginal peoples.

Quick Facts
  • Pallium Foundation of Canada through Economic Action Plan 2013 will receive $3 million in funding for Building the Future of Palliative Care Together.
  • Economic Action Plan 2011 included $3 million in funding for the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, to support the development of The Way Forward: Moving Towards Community-Integrated Hospice Palliative Care in Canada.
  • Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), this government has invested more than $43 million in palliative care research since 2006. This research is improving the understanding of the experience patients, families and care providers and supporting the delivery of high quality palliative care services across Canada.
  • Government of Canada also provides tax credits and benefits for caregivers of infirm family members and the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan.

"Our Government understands the very difficult challenges faced by Canadian families when they are caring for loved ones who need palliative care. This federal support will equip more front-line care providers with the knowledge they need to deliver quality palliative care, in a range of settings, so patients can receive the on-going care they need and deserve. We will continue to work with the provinces and territories, as well as groups like the Pallium Foundation of Canada to ensure that Canadians receive the compassionate care they need." Rona Ambrose Minister of Health

"Canadians who are ill and at the end of their lives need and deserve the compassionate caring of healthcare providers who have the training and expertise to give the highest-quality of care at this most difficult time. With this initiative, and other ongoing investments, our Government is helping provinces, territories and organizations, such as Pallium, to deliver compassionate, respectful and competent care for people at the end of life, and their families." Alice Wong Minister of State (Seniors)

"It is essential that palliative and end-of-life care education be standardized and accessible for all health care providers to increase capacity and to promote a consistent level of quality palliative care throughout Canada" Kathryn Downer National Director of the Pallium Foundation of Canada

"This funding will go a long way to improve the quality of hospice and palliative care in Canada."
Dr. José Pereira Scientific Director of the Pallium Foundation of Canada

"Cure sometimes; relieve often; and comfort always."Dr. Srini Chary Chair of the Board, Pallium Foundation of Canada



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