Government Services
Services exist at both the federal and provincial level to help support families dealing with a life-limiting illness.

Federal Government Services
Service Canada is the place where Canadians go—whether online, by phone, or in person—to access the programs, services, and benefits they need from the Government of Canada and its many partners.

Provincial Government Services
ServiceBC is the place where BC residents go to order Death Certificates, Medical Services Plan information and Driver’s License information.

WorkSafe BC
In the event of occupational diseases, fatalities and/or survivor’s benefits, WorkSafeBC works with the affected families to provide compensation, health care benefits, and a range of other services.

Occupational Diseases:  An occupational disease is a disease that is caused by exposure to a workplace hazardous substance. These include asbestos-related diseases which are caused by the inhalation of asbestos. Some examples of asbestos-related diseases are: mesothelioma; lung cancer; diffuse pleural thickening or fibrosis; asbestosis; benign pleural effusion; larynx or pharynx cancer; and gastro-intestinal cancer.

Contact: WorkSafeBC, Vancouver Office

  • Team Assistant, Occupational Disease Services/Sensitive Claims Department at: 604-279-8158; or
  • Manager, Occupational Disease Services at: 604 276-3317; or
  • Sensitive Claims Coordinator at: 604 231-8594; or
  • Manager, Fatal/Sensitive Claims at: 604 279-7495
    www.worksafebc.com/claims/occupational_diseases

BC Palliative Care Benefits Program
The BC Palliative Care Benefits Program supports BC residents of any age who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness and who wish to receive palliative care at home. Any B.C. resident who wishes to receive palliative care at home can ask their physician to assess their medical eligibility for the program and submit an application on their behalf.

“Home” is defined as wherever the person is living, their own home, with family or friends or in a supportive or assisted living or hospice house that is not licensed residential care facility under the PharmaCare Plan.

Under the program, eligible patients receive:

  • coverage of medications used in palliative care through the PharmaCare BC Palliative Care Drug Plan, and
  • medical supplies and equipment through Interior Health Authority.

Contact:

  • Your physician
  • Community Care
  • or phone 1-800-663-7100
  • website