Mr. Speaker, this week is National Palliative Care Week and it is time for Canadians to recognize the hard work and dedication of our health care professionals, caregivers, volunteers, and family members who strive to improve the quality of life for individuals nearing the end of their lives. Palliative care is about dignity, compassion and respect of life, values that all Canadians share.
Providing the best quality of life possible for the critically and terminally ill is an essential part of our nation's overall health care picture. An estimated 160,000 Canadians require end of life care every year. As our nation's population continues to mature, the demand for palliative care will only increase.
On behalf of the Canadian Alliance, I would ask members of the House to please join me in acknowledging the valuable contribution of palliative care professionals, as well as recognizing the contributions of families that provide end of life care for their loved ones.