Canadian Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care (PCPCC)

I missed the announcement of its formation back in April 2010, but Canada now has a federal Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care (PCPCC).  That seems like a remarkable and commendable achievement.  The goals of the committee include:

• To research and identify how to improve and increase the availability of excellent palliative care in Canada.


• To find ways to ensure that every person with a disability is treated with respect and dignity.


• To research and learn how to implement an effective National suicide prevention strategy.


• To recognize the real concerns and problem of elder abuse in Canada and understand how to protect vulnerable elderly Canadians.

Interestingly though, the co-founder explained another key motivation for the new committee:  "Health care costs continue to rise . . . demographics dictate that an increasing proportion of Canadians will enter their golden years over the next decade. They will require more expensive forms of care, and more of it.”

Still, the committee heard this week from the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.   Among other things, Council members expressed concern over the Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons Statement on Withdrawing and Withhold Life Sustaining Treatment.  They explained that the "minimum standard" criteria permits too much discretion and is subject to bias and abuse against those with disabilities.