Last Aid in Canada: Increasing Community Participation in Palliative Care

Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, yet most of us will one day care for someone who is seriously ill, dying, or grieving. What if we felt more confident, prepared, and supported in those moments? Last Aid is a public education program designed for everyone, not just health care professionals. Offered in more than 20 countries and now expanding across Canada, the course provides practical, accessible knowledge about palliative care, dying as a natural part of life, planning ahead, relieving suffering, and navigating grief. In this session, you will learn what Last Aid is, how it works, and why it is helping communities feel less afraid of end-of-life conversations. Participants consistently report feeling more confident talking about death and more comfortable supporting someone with serious illness or grief.

If you have ever wondered how to start the conversation, how to better support someone you care about, or how communities can become more compassionate around death and dying, this session will offer insight, reassurance, and practical information about the Last Aid program.

This event is a free information session as a part of the 2nd annual Legacy Expo. For more information about the Expo go to: www.TheLegacyExpo.com

Cheryl Spencer, Interim CEO, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

Cheryl Spencer is the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), a role she has held since November 2025. She has been with CHPCA since 2009 and brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, governance, and national event planning, including the Association’s biennial conference. Prior to joining CHPCA, Cheryl worked as a museum curator with a focus on community programming and collections management.

Tara Landry, Communications Officer, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

Tara Landry is the Communications Officer at the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, where she leads strategic communications and manages national logistics for the Last Aid program. With more than 30 years of experience in marketing and communications, Tara brings deep expertise in storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness to advance compassionate care across Canada

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Host or Publisher Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association