We are very saddened by the news of Paul Labbé’s passing on November 27, 2019. Paul made significant contributions to Pallium Canada as a board member from 2010 – 2019 and was instrumental in securing the funding that has allowed Pallium to become the organization it is today.
Paul has been an influential figure in the growth and success of Pallium Canada and became involved with the organization at a time where his leadership and insight was greatly needed. Through meetings with government ministers and other policy decision makers, Paul was able to help secure Pallium interim funding in 2012 that was used toward continuing to develop and expand LEAP™ courseware for health care professionals across Canada.
In 2014 with renewed funding, Pallium was able to focus once again on growth and expansion, reaching more health care professionals with a greater number of products and tools. At this time, Paul was instrumental in helping to build the organization’s business and operations plan. When Pallium received 3-year funding from Health Canada in 2017, Paul contributed to the organization’s strong focus on enhancing its financial sustainability and becoming a social enterprise so that we could maximize our impact for Canadians, their families, and the health care system.
Pallium’s founder and Scientific Officer, Dr. José Pereira, said, “Paul was a real champion of improving palliative and end-of-life care for Canadians and a tireless and effective member of our board for so many years.”
Paul had only recently stepped down as board member of Pallium Canada in September after 9 years of leadership and guidance. Board Chair, Gérald Savoie, paid tribute to Paul on the board’s behalf for his support and contribution to the palliative and end-of-life cause in Canada at this year’s Annual General Meeting in Ottawa. Gérald said, “It has been a great privilege to serve as a board member alongside Paul. For 9 years he provided his unwavering support and expertise to further the organization’s vision—Palliative care is everyone’s business.”
Paul is a key figure in Pallium’s organizational history and his memory lives on in Pallium’s commitment to improve the quality and accessibility of palliative care in Canada. He will be greatly missed.
Read Paul’s obituary to learn more about his personal and professional life.
