Covenant Health Palliative Institute

05/06/2026

New data confirms what many Canadians already feel. Access to quality palliative care isn't guaranteed. And that needs to change.

A new Angus Reid Institute survey, that we co-sponsored with Cardus, found that 9-in-10 Canadians believe high-quality, accessible palliative care should be a right for all.

But fewer than 6-in-10 are confident they could access it if needed.

The numbers tell a clear story:

🔵1 in 5 who tried to access it found it difficult
🔵71% say access to in-home supports is a top priority
🔵4 in 5 Canadians would consider palliative care if seriously ill
🔵58% identify a shortage of palliative care beds as a major problem

As Dr. Leonie Herx, senior scientific director for the Covenant Palliative Institute has said:

"Canadians facing serious illness want access to palliative care and overwhelmingly agree it should be a right. To help make this a reality, palliative care needs to be recognized as an essential service in the Canada Health Act."

The data is clear. The public agrees.

Now it's time for policy to catch up.

We're proud to support this research and the call for palliative care to be recognized as an essential service for all Canadians.

Read the full survey findings: https://bit.ly/4cSfulw

04/09/2026

We have a new date scheduled! 📅

Join us on April 29 at the Covenant Community Health Centre to learn what personal directives are, why they matter and how to get started.

We’re thrilled to be partnering with Paul Foisy, founder and principal lawyer at Foisy Law Offices, along with law student volunteers from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law.

For attendees who are ready to complete their personal directive, a limited number of on-site appointments will be available during the workshop.

Save your spot and register today: https://bit.ly/4dGyy77 ✅

03/16/2026

⚠️Personal directive workshop update!

Due to unexpected circumstances, we need to postpone the session that was originally scheduled for this week.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Our team is currently working to confirm a new date and will share those details with you as soon as they are finalized.

Your interest in learning more about personal directives and planning ahead for your health care decisions is important to us, and we look forward to connecting with you soon.

Thank you again for your understanding.

03/11/2026

Planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

Join us on March 18 at the Covenant Community Health Centre to learn what personal directives are, why they matter and how to get started.

We’re thrilled to be partnering with Paul Foisy, founder and principal lawyer at Foisy Law Offices, along with law student volunteers from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law.

For attendees who are ready to complete their personal directive, a limited number of on-site appointments will be available during the workshop.

Save your spot and register today: https://bit.ly/4qVeXmw ✅

12/16/2025

09/18/2025

📬 Newsletter alert! Our latest issue is here and honestly? It's our best one yet. We're sharing the incredible journey of five years together, exciting PalliLearn partnerships, upcoming multilingual resources, and introducing our new "Care Chats" podcast. Plus conference early bird ends soon! Did you get yours? Link in comments if you missed it.

09/11/2025

Join us for an important session on palliative sedation with Sheilla Killoran MT. Get practical guidance and understand the implications of this crucial aspect of end-of-life care. Perfect for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their palliative care knowledge.

September 25, 2025
2-3 PM MST
Register: https://bit.ly/41DiQn6

09/03/2025

Discover how Narrative Medicine can support the wellbeing of psychosocial palliative care providers.

Through reflective writing prompts, participants will explore personal and collective resilience. This experiential session fosters compassionate patient care, peer connection, and mindful self-care.

This is the first session in our 2025-26 Psychosocial Spiritual Community of Practice

Thursday, October 9th, 2025, 12 – 1 pm

Register: https://bit.ly/41WROWX

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4lMEY4G

08/28/2025

Announcing a new series in the Psychosocial Spiritual Alberta Community of Practice for health care providers working in palliative and grief care. Learn from monthly webinars and build connections.

This COP is open to all social workers, spiritual care providers, nurses, providers, creative arts therapists, occupational therapists, counsellors, Indigenous care liaisons, psychologists, child life specialists and other clinicians providing direct emotional and spiritual support in Alberta.

We invite you to attend as many of the monthly series as possible.

Register: https://bit.ly/41WROWX

For more information: https://bit.ly/4lMEY4G

08/18/2025

Help your organization empower Albertans to plan ahead for their healthcare future!

Join our free virtual session on Sept. 9 (10-11 a.m.) to discover the Plan Ahead Toolkit — practical resources for advance care planning that reduce family stress and ensure people's wishes are respected.

Perfect for organizations, healthcare professionals, and anyone supporting Albertans in their communities.

Expert presenters will share how your organization can use these tools to facilitate meaningful advance care planning education and workshops.

Register today: https://bit.ly/45GfUXl



Covenant Health