Provincial Palliative Care Program
We work to implement provincial priorities while also developing clinical guidance, informing and developing policy related to palliative care, and providing subject matter expertise within Ontario Health, for the government, and health system partners.
Grounded in ongoing engagement, we work closely with Ontario Health Regions, which maintain relationships with local health care providers and collaborate with delivery partners to help achieve the strategic priorities for palliative care described in the Ontario Provincial Framework for Palliative Care.
Additionally, the program is responsible for health system planning and measurement for palliative care, with working groups and expert panels to inform its work.
Ontario Palliative Care Network
Established in 2016, the Ontario Palliative Care Network (OPCN) is a partnership of health service providers, community and social support service organizations, health systems planners, as well as patient and family/care partner advisors formed to develop a coordinated and standardized approach for delivering palliative care services in the province.
The Provincial Palliative Care Program is responsible for executing OPCN’s mandate and priorities in alignment with the Ontario Health role.
Mandate
- To act as a principal advisor to the government on quality, coordinated, palliative care in Ontario.
- To be accountable for quality improvement initiatives, data and performance measurement, and system-level coordination of palliative care across the province.
- To lead regional and local integration of palliative care services and delivery.
- To engage sector interest holders including but not limited to, Francophones, and First Nations, Inuit, Metis and urban Indigenous communities.
To learn about palliative care in your area connect with your Ontario Health Region.
Last Updated: June 18, 2025