FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2023

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady asked the Ontario Government to include hospice care in its upcoming Spring Budget. Brady took time in the Ontario Legislature today to discuss palliative care in the riding and a proposed hospice.

“I rise today to talk about a pretty amazing group of volunteers in Haldimand-Norfolk who are working to make life better for people in the worst of human situations,” Brady said. “The Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice has been soldiering through the past few difficult years undeterred with the long-term goal of building a six-bed hospice in a location central to the two counties.”

Brady pointed out that area residents are fortunate to have Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, as well as East Haldimand Hospice Inc., providing vital palliative support in terms of medical care and spiritual and emotional care as well. Her concern is that currently, however, Haldimand-Norfolk residents must travel to Hamilton, Brantford, or beyond to live in a hospice facility during their final days.

She further informed the house that families in stressful situations find making the trip from afar challenging and adds to the stress and grief.

Locals are fundraising the $14 million for the bricks and mortar of the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, however, the group is asking the province to pitch in concerning annual operating costs of $1.5 million.

“The estimated cost of operating the six-bed hospice would ring in around $1.5 million annually, and I am asking this government, in its upcoming budget, to have a good look at the many benefits and value of investing in end-of-life care across Ontario,” requested MPP Brady.

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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at [email protected] or 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413, 1-800-903-8629