Frequently Asked Questions
Centre for Supportive Palliative Education
This page answers common questions about CSPEās fall courses, Grief Literacy & Integration training program and free Wednesday Webinars.
For questions about your individual circumstances, please contact CSPE.
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About CSPE learning
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Who can attend CSPE programs?
CSPE welcomes individuals, family members, caregivers, community members, volunteers and professionals.
Each offering identifies its intended audience and learning focus. Previous healthcare, palliative care or grief education is unnecessary unless a course page specifically states otherwise.
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Are CSPE courses medical or clinical training?
CSPE provides education within a non-medical scope.
Courses may address grief, caregiving, family experiences, serious illness, dying, death and bereavement. They support understanding, communication, preparation, reflection and relational capacity.
Medical assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and clinical decision-making remain with qualified healthcare professionals.
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Are these courses counselling or therapy?
CSPE courses are educational experiences.
Some subjects may invite personal reflection, and participants always choose what they wish to share. The courses do not provide psychotherapy, counselling, diagnosis or mental health treatment.
Participants may also draw upon personal, cultural, spiritual, community or professional supports appropriate to their circumstances.
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Do I need to share personal experiences?
Personal sharing is always a choice.
You are welcome to participate through listening, reflection, asking general questions or joining the conversation at a level that feels appropriate.
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Can professionals attend?
Yes.
CSPE courses may be relevant to healthcare professionals, massage therapists, doulas, wellness practitioners, educators, community workers, hospice volunteers and others whose work brings them into contact with grief, serious illness or end-of-life experiences.
Each participant remains responsible for practicing within the scope and requirements of their own profession or role.
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Fall 2026 offerings
What is available this fall?
CSPE is offering:
- Six-week live online Grief Literacy & Integration
- Three focused two-part live online courses
- Free Wednesday Webinars
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When does the Grief Literacy Training take place?
The training runs for six consecutive Wednesdays:
October 21 and 28
November 4, 11, 18 and 25
Sessions take place from 7:30ā9:00 PM Mountain Time.
Tuition is $975 CAD.
[VIEW GRIEF LITERACY TRAINING]
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When do the short courses take place?
The short courses are held on Thursday evenings from 7:30ā9:00 PM Mountain Time.
Each course includes two connected sessions.
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Is This Dying? Understanding What Happens as the Body Begins to Change
October 22 and 29
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When Someone Is Dying and the Relationship Is Complicated
November 5 and 12
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How Can We Get Along When Someone We Love Is Dying?
November 19 and 26
Tuition is $179 CAD per course.
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When are the free Wednesday Webinars?
The webinars begin September 30 and take place on selected Wednesdays from 12:00ā1:00 PM Mountain Time.
Each webinar is live online and free to attend.
Registration and payment
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How do I register?
Choose the offering you wish to attend and use the registration button on its course page.
After registration, you will receive confirmation and information about accessing the live online session.
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When does registration close?Ā
Registration closes:
October 18 for Grief Literacy Training
October 20 for Is This Dying?
November 3 for When Someone Is Dying and the Relationship Was Complicated
November 10 for How Do We Get Along When Someone We Love Is Dying?
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After a deadline, contact CSPE directly to ask about remaining space and late registration.
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Is tuition paid in full?
Yes. Tuition for fall 2026 paid offerings is paid in full at registration.
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What currency are the prices in?
All prices are listed in Canadian dollars.
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What is the refund or withdrawal policy?
Refunds, withdrawals and cancellations are governed by the CSPE Terms and Policies provided during registration.
Please review these terms before completing your purchase.
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Will I receive a receipt?
Yes. A receipt will be issued for your payment.
Eligibility for reimbursement, professional expenses or tax treatment depends upon individual circumstances and the requirements of the relevant organization or authority.
Attendance and online access
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Where are the courses held?
All fall 2026 CSPE offerings are delivered live online.
Access information will be sent to registered participants.
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What time zone does CSPE use?
All published fall course and webinar times are in Mountain Time.
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Do I need to attend live?
The fall offerings are designed for live participation and connection with the learning group.
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What happens if I miss a session?
Contact CSPE as soon as possible if you expect to miss a session.
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Are recordings available?
Yes.
Grief Literacy Training: All six session recordings will remain available until December 2, 2026.
Two-part fall courses: Recordings will remain available for seven days after the second session.
Wednesday Webinars: Registered participants will receive replay access for seven days after the live webinar.
Recordings are for registered participants and may not be shared, copied or distributed.
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What technology do I need?
You will need:
A reliable internet connection
A computer, tablet or phone capable of joining the online session
A private or reasonably quiet place to participate
A working speaker or headphones
Camera and participation guidance will be included with your course information.
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Grief Literacy Training
Is Grief Literacy & Integration intended only for people who are grieving?
The training welcomes people approaching grief from many perspectives.
Participants may be seeking to understand their own experiences, support someone else, strengthen their professional knowledge or develop a broader understanding of grief as a human experience.
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Is this the former Track 1 program?
The fall Grief Literacy & Integration program draws upon CSPEās established grief literacy curriculum and is being offered as a complete six-week training.
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Does this training lead directly into a Grief Educator certificate?
CSPEās longer professional education programs are currently in development.
Grief Literacy Training is a complete standalone educational experience. Participation does not promise or guarantee credit toward a future CSPE certificate program.
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Will I receive a certificate for Grief Literacy & Integration?
Yes.
Participants who complete all six sessions through live attendance, recording review or a combination of both will receive a:
Certificate of Completion in Grief Literacy & Integration
All sessions must be completed by December 2, 2026.
This certificate recognizes completion of the six-week educational training. It is not a professional designation, regulated credential or guarantee of credit toward a future CSPE program.
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Will I receive a professional designation?
The fall Grief Literacy Training and short courses do not provide a professional designation.
Any certificate or documentation associated with an individual offering will be clearly identified on its registration page.
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Former professional pathways
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I previously saw information about CSPEās professional pathways. Are those programs still available?
CSPEās longer professional education programs are currently in development.
This fallās schedule focuses on online public courses, Wednesday Webinars and the six-week Grief Literacy & Integration program.
Updated information about future professional education will be shared when those programs are ready to open.
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Is the End-of-Life Doula Certificate currently open?
The End-of-Life Doula Certificate is not part of the fall 2026 registration schedule.
CSPE is continuing to develop its longer professional education. Information will be announced when a future program is ready to open.
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Can the fall courses be applied toward a future certificate?
The fall courses are complete standalone educational offerings.
Participation does not promise or guarantee credit toward a future CSPE certificate program.
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Accessibility and participation
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CSPE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Please contact us before the course begins so we can explore reasonable adjustments that may support your participation.
[VIEW ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION]
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What if the subject matter becomes emotionally difficult?
Participants are welcome to pause, take a break or choose their level of participation.
CSPE encourages people to honor their capacity and draw upon personal, cultural, spiritual, community or professional support when helpful.
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Additional questions
If your question has not been answered here, please contact CSPE.
