Palliative care is a critical part of Canada's health care system as it helps improve the quality of life for as long as possible. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process that focuses on thinking about your values and wishes and letting others know what kind of care you would want in the future. The Government of Canada is committed to raising awareness about ACP and removing barriers that many face in accessing the care they need.
As part of National AccessAbility Week, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced over $1.4 million in funding over two years to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) to make ACP resources more universally accessible. This funding will specifically support the Making ACP More Accessible for Canadians with Disabilities project.
This project will identify accessibility gaps and information needs for persons with disabilities, their caregivers and the organizations that support them. It also aims to develop and disseminate accessible ACP tools and resources aimed at addressing barriers faced by disability communities and increase their awareness of ACP.
The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories, people with serious illnesses and disabilities, caregivers, partners, and communities to improve the quality and availability of palliative care for everyone in Canada, including those who are most vulnerable. This work includes developing a Framework and implementing the Action Plan on Palliative Care. Key commitments of the Action Plan include:
- raising awareness about palliative care and grief,
- improving palliative care skills and supports for health care providers and others,
- enhancing data and research;
- improving access for underserved populations; and,
- improving access to culturally sensitive palliative care for Indigenous communities.
As part of these efforts, Health Canada launched a public education campaign in March 2023 to raise awareness of palliative care and grief for providers who are not palliative specialists. Phase II will launch in Summer 2023 and will broaden the audience to reach people living with a serious illness and their families. Together, with all partners, we will keep working to ensure everyone gets the care they deserve.
