Still Hopeful MPs will Support Pan-Canadian Strategy
OTTAWA- Parliament began its first round of debate last night (Tues) on the New Democratic Party's motion on a pan-Canadian palliative care strategy. Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus’ motion (M-456) is widely supported by the medical, spiritual, and NGO communities across Canada. During the debate, the government attempted to amend the motion so as to remove the notion of a national "strategy" thus erasing the obligation of the federal government to work with the Provinces.
Angus says he is disappointed by the position taken by the government. "It is unfortunate that the federal government seems to be trying to limit its obligation to provide leadership on this important issue. The language of a palliative care strategy directly comes from the hard work of a non-partisan parliamentary committee. I can't accept attempts to undermine this all-party commitment to establishing a national strategy working with our partners at the Provincial and territorial level."
Angus says he is confident that the palliative motion can still succeed because the motion will be subject to a free vote. The Conservative government should be listening to the 30 of its members who recommended a National Strategy as recently as 2011.
"This is an important opportunity for the public to engage with their MPs and tell them they want them to put the national vision of palliative care ahead of political concerns."
The vote on Motion 456 is expected in May.
