Sarnia-Lambton Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu's palliative care bill has passed third and final reading in the House of Commons.
The private member's bill defines services and training requirements, and a plan to create consistent access for all Canadians.
Gladu says the health minister has already added $11-billion to the 2017 budget for home, palliative, and mental health care.
"In addition, the government is planning to spend a lot of money on infrastructure, building more hospices, and getting the training for more palliative care specialists," says Gladu. "They'll look at some innovations in terms of using paramedics and virtual palliative care in remote areas."
Currently, only 30% of Canadians have any access to palliative care services.
Gladu says the bill has been publicly endorsed by over 100 organizations including the Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Nurses Association, and Cancer Society and Kidney Foundation.
It will now go to the Senate for final approval either before the summer break or in the fall.
