Covenant Health Palliative Institute

New data confirms what many Canadians already feel. Access to quality palliative care isn't guaranteed. And that needs to change.

A new Angus Reid Institute survey, that we co-sponsored with Cardus, found that 9-in-10 Canadians believe high-quality, accessible palliative care should be a right for all.

But fewer than 6-in-10 are confident they could access it if needed.

The numbers tell a clear story:

🔵1 in 5 who tried to access it found it difficult
🔵71% say access to in-home supports is a top priority
🔵4 in 5 Canadians would consider palliative care if seriously ill
🔵58% identify a shortage of palliative care beds as a major problem

As Dr. Leonie Herx, senior scientific director for the Covenant Palliative Institute has said:

"Canadians facing serious illness want access to palliative care and overwhelmingly agree it should be a right. To help make this a reality, palliative care needs to be recognized as an essential service in the Canada Health Act."

The data is clear. The public agrees.

Now it's time for policy to catch up.

We're proud to support this research and the call for palliative care to be recognized as an essential service for all Canadians.

Read the full survey findings: https://bit.ly/4cSfulw

We have a new date scheduled! 📅

Join us on April 29 at the Covenant Community Health Centre to learn what personal directives are, why they matter and how to get started.

We’re thrilled to be partnering with Paul Foisy, founder and principal lawyer at Foisy Law Offices, along with law student volunteers from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law.

For attendees who are ready to complete their personal directive, a limited number of on-site appointments will be available during the workshop.

Save your spot and register today: https://bit.ly/4dGyy77 ✅

Join us for an important session on palliative sedation with Sheilla Killoran MT. Get practical guidance and understand the implications of this crucial aspect of end-of-life care. Perfect for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their palliative care knowledge.

September 25, 2025
2-3 PM MST
Register: https://bit.ly/41DiQn6

Announcing a new series in the Psychosocial Spiritual Alberta Community of Practice for health care providers working in palliative and grief care. Learn from monthly webinars and build connections.

This COP is open to all social workers, spiritual care providers, nurses, providers, creative arts therapists, occupational therapists, counsellors, Indigenous care liaisons, psychologists, child life specialists and other clinicians providing direct emotional and spiritual support in Alberta.

We invite you to attend as many of the monthly series as possible.

Register: https://bit.ly/41WROWX

For more information: https://bit.ly/4lMEY4G

Help your organization empower Albertans to plan ahead for their healthcare future!

Join our free virtual session on Sept. 9 (10-11 a.m.) to discover the Plan Ahead Toolkit — practical resources for advance care planning that reduce family stress and ensure people's wishes are respected.

Perfect for organizations, healthcare professionals, and anyone supporting Albertans in their communities.

Expert presenters will share how your organization can use these tools to facilitate meaningful advance care planning education and workshops.

Register today: https://bit.ly/45GfUXl



Covenant Health