Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the members of the House that May 12 to 19 is National Palliative Care Week.
Canadians are proud of their health care system. As a compassionate society we expect that care and support will be available for those most in need. Part of this need which concerns us all is palliative care.
The Canadian Palliative Care Association is to be commended for its excellent work. The association provides important leadership in the pursuit of excellence for terminally ill persons and their families. Last year Health Canada contributed $70,000 to the Canadian Palliative Care Association to assist with further developments of the association's structure and national services.
Death is a natural part of the life cycle. We need to understand and address the health care needs of those who have terminal diseases.