Media Release

CCS applauds new national palliative care framework

OTTAWA, ON -

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) welcomes the announcement of the new national framework for palliative care. The framework was released today by the Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor.

CCS believes in guaranteed access to palliative care in Canada. Quality palliative care is an essential part of healthcare, and all Canadians should have affordable access to it. Palliative care provides people with cancer and their families with the care they need, when they want it, in the setting of their choice.

The national framework for palliative care has identified goals and priorities to shift palliative care policy and programming in Canada, including:

  • Palliative care training and education for healthcare providers and other caregivers
  • Measures to support palliative care providers
  • Research and the collection of data on palliative care
  • Measures to facilitate equitable access to palliative care across Canada

Nearly 1 in 2 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime and about 1 in 4 will die from cancer, making cancer Canada’s leading cause of death.

“A strong nationwide response to this growing number of cancer cases is important and the new national palliative care framework is a step in the right direction,” says Kelly Masotti, Director of Public Issues at CCS. “The guiding principles outlined in this new framework will help shift palliative care in Canada to be more person and family-centered to address the diverse needs of Canadians.”

As Canada’s primary source for trusted cancer information, CCS’s services help millions of people access treatment, care, and support, often while they continue to live at home or in a community setting.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

For more information, please contact:

Brooke Kelly

Communications Coordinator

Canadian Cancer Society

National office

Phone: 416-934-5321