Palliative care services in Canada could soon improve.
Sarnia-Lambton Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu's private member's bill received unanimous support in the House of Commons.
Gladu says only 30% of Canadians have any access to palliative care services.
She says the bill defines services and training requirements, and a plan to create consistent access for all Canadians.
"I'm really happy," says Gladu. "It's very rare to have unanimous support, so we had support from all parties in the house for this bill to go to committee. In listening to the speeches and hearing the support, I think it was just the right time for this bill and good to see that everyone is behind it."
Gladu says some amendments to the bill were suggested including adding First Nations and clarifying what is federal and provincial jurisdiction.
She says it has been publicly endorsed by over 50 organizations including the Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Nurses Association, and Cancer Society and Kidney Foundation.
The bill will now be reviewed by the Health Committee and will come back to the House of Commons for final reading before going to the Senate.
