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- Page navigation anchor for RE: Not another consultation process: A critique of the implementation of Bill C-277 Framework on Palliative Care in CanadaRE: Not another consultation process: A critique of the implementation of Bill C-277 Framework on Palliative Care in Canada
Lauren Vogel in her CMAJ commentary on November 6, 2017, questioned the necessity of Bill C-277, Framework on Palliative Care in Canada, in light of the federal government’s previous funding of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association in 2013 to develop a national framework on palliative care—a framework endorsed by all provinces and territories.(1) She added that many Senators questioned the need to redefine palliative care when there was consensus among health professionals on the current definition.
We wish to take this commentary one step further to call into question the implementation of this bill, which passed on December 12, 2017. The law required that the government initiate a consultation process by June 12, 2018. Health Canada launched this process on April 16th, 2018, with representation from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, Canadian Virtual Hospice, Pallium, Centre for Palliative Care British Columbia, and Palliative Care Matters. We question the necessity of undertaking this process when consultation has been done at the provincial, territorial, and federal levels. This is a duplication of past efforts, and a questionable use of public funds.
Our stance on additional consultations stems from our past work. In January 2017, Veterans Affairs Canada contracted us to prepare a report on emerging trends in palliative care.(2) We reviewed over 130 Canadian and international palliative car...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.