Yesterday afternoon, BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey tabled the first provincial budget of the 43rd BC Legislative Assembly. The BC Hospice and Palliative Care Association (BCHPCA) is calling on the BC government to address the significant underfunding of hospice and palliative care. While the budget included investments in mental health, addictions, and long-term care, no dedicated funding was allocated to hospice and palliative care services.

With over 45,000 British Columbians impacted by loss each year, and many relying on hospice and palliative care, there is an urgent need for targeted funding. Currently, less than 3% of the provincial health budget is allocated to palliative and hospice care, with many services depending on unsustainable donations. This has led to the closure of hospices, particularly in rural areas. The BCHPCA urges the government to prioritize equitable, sustainable funding for end-of-life care and grief support to better serve BC’s communities.