This month we are looking back to June 27. 2017 and a powerful show of support from then NDP MLA Judy Darcy.

Watch the full speech on YouTube.

Nine years ago New West was still on our way to becoming the first Compassionate City in British Columbia. Support from our local representatives at all levels of government has been an invaluable part of our story.

During her speech, MLA Darcy spoke about the powerful stories that lead to the founding of the New West Hospice Society and recognized that our organization was having much needed conversations about how to better serve the people of our city.

“New Westminster was the first dementia-friendly city in B.C. and the first living-wage city. With thanks to the Hospice Society and the support of our mayor and council, we’re on our way to becoming the first compassionate city in British Columbia too.”

In 2017 New Westminster was grappling with a lack of hospice services. The removal of hospice beds in 2009 had left an ever greater growing need for support and advocacy for people at end-of-life and their loved ones. Over the years the New West Hospice Society has focused on building community partnerships to ensure that our Compassionate Community can still access services even without a dedicated hospice facility..

Today, we are proud to maintain working relationships with our local and provincial governments who recognize and understand that “New West Needs A Hospice”!