Mr. Balfour M. Mount

Deceased

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Deceased

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Order of Canada

Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 1985-12-23
Invested on: 1986-04-09
Aware of the special medical and emotional needs of the critically ill and dying, which were not being met in the regular hospital environment, he founded the first Palliative Care Service at Montreal's Royal Victoria Hospital. This unit, which has been copied nationally and internationally, has achieved its success through a combination of superb and compassionate medical care, pastoral services, and family therapy.
Officer of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2003-10-30
Invested on: 2004-12-10
Considered the father of palliative care in North America, Balfour Mount is a model of compassion and humanity. Founder and former director of McGill University's Palliative Care Division, he also created and directs the McGill Program in Integrated Whole Person Care. He has spearheaded research which helps practitioners deal with difficult ethical issues concerning people with advanced or life-threatening illness. In addition, he was instrumental in the creation and success of the highly regarded and largest international meeting on palliative care, held biannually in Montreal. His efforts have helped more people to receive professional care and to preserve their dignity in moments of ultimate suffering. This is a promotion within the Order.