Resources

Framework on Palliative Care in Canada

Description:

In late 2017, the Act Providing for the Development of a Framework on Palliative Care in Canada was passed by Parliament with all-party support. During the spring and summer of 2018, Health Canada consulted with provincial and territorial governments, other federal departments, and national stakeholders, as well as people living with life-limiting illnesses, caregivers and Canadians.  The findings from that consultation, as well as the requirements outlined in the Act, provided the foundation for the Framework on Palliative Care in Canada.

In Part I, the Framework provides an overview of palliative care, setting out the World Health Organization's definition in the Canadian context. The Framework describes how palliative care is provided in Canada, and the roles and responsibilities of the numerous individuals and organizations involved.
Part II, the heart of the Framework, sets out the collective vision for palliative care in Canada: that all Canadians with life-limiting illnesses live well until the end of life.
Part III outlines implementation and next steps, proposing a single focal-point to advance the state of palliative care.