“Each year far too many Albertans are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness for which there is no viable cure, which can be challenging for them and their families. Hospice and palliative care teams provide tremendous support for these families in this difficult time.
“May 1-7 marks National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada. It is a time to recognize hospice palliative care teams that are devoted to taking care of others and doing so with warmth and understanding. This year’s theme, Living in Colour, is a reminder to everyone to embrace every moment of life’s journey.
“Since forming government in 2019, the province has committed $20 million to advance palliative and end-of-life care initiatives in Alberta. We provided more than $1 million of this funding to the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association to establish in-person and online support groups, develop Alberta’s first telephone peer-grief support line and expand workshops on palliative and end-of-life care for Albertans.
“This week is also an opportunity for all Albertans to learn about and discuss the importance of advance care planning. I encourage everyone to develop advance care plans to identify your health and financial preferences and to help alleviate some of the stress that family and friends could face if they are asked to make important health-care decisions for a loved one in unforeseen circumstances.
“End of life touches all of us. I would like to offer my gratitude to the specialized professionals, community providers and volunteers who foster a peaceful, dignified environment for Albertans as they transition into the final stages of life.”