Statement from Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, president of the Canadian Medical Association, on the passing of Motion M-456 on the need for a pan-Canadian strategy for palliative care in Canada

OTTAWA, May 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Canadian physicians were very gratified to see all parties in the House of Commons today endorse a motion by MP Charlie Angus calling for aw pan-Canadian strategy to support and improve access to palliative and end-of-life care. While the motion may not be binding on the federal government, it does highlight an urgent need and adds to the mounting pressure on all levels of government to address this critical issue.

As the CMA has held its National Dialogue on End-of-Life care this winter and spring we have heard firsthand of the desperate need for enhanced access to palliative care services. In fact, as few as 16% of Canadians have access to palliative care services this year. How comfortable and peaceful a death we have should not depend on our postal code.

Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti
President, Canadian Medical Association

SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association

Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach, [email protected], Tel.: [phone] ext. 1266, Cell.: 613-447-0866