Sarnia-Lambton Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu's private members' bill to improve palliative care services in Canada has received approval from all parties.
After debate in the House of Commons Wednesday, it will now go to second reading when they reconvene in the new year.
Gladu says less than 30 per cent % of Canadians have any access to palliative care. She says it's critical they get the help they deserve.
"Canada has just a few more than 30 hospices compared to 1,300 in the US," says Gladu. "So, there's a huge need for the infrastructure there, and a huge need to fund the actual palliative care services. Today, most of the hospice money comes from charitable donations and many areas don't have adequate home care."
Following second reading, a federal committee will study the bill, which could then be passed into law. After that, they'll have six months to come up with a plan.
