Matt Fillier – Leading with compassion in grief and bereavement support

Matt Fillier is someone who believes deeply in the power of compassion and human connection—qualities he discovered early on, having grown up in a family steeped in community spirit, faith and resilience.  

From his early days in Newfoundland to his current role as grief and bereavement practice lead for Nova Scotia Health's Palliative Care Network, his personal and professional journeys have been uniquely intertwined.

When asked what drew him to work in palliative care, Matt simply says, "Loss, grief and death, alongside the mystery and sheer tenacity of the human spirit in the face of suffering, inspires me every day."  

Matt’s own story is filled with personal experiences of loss, from the early death of his mother to the later passing of his father and grandparents. Yet rather than becoming defined by loss, Matt has been shaped profoundly by the compassion shown to him during those moments. He vividly remembers the nurses and doctors who comforted him when he was young. "I may not recall their names, but I will never forget their faces and the compassion they showed by simply listening and sitting next to me in my grief."

Matt’s path reflects a deep commitment to service and spiritual inquiry. With degrees from Memorial University and the Atlantic School of Theology, he has led faith communities across Canada, including Bedford United Church and the Maritime Conference. He has supported families through illness, tragedy and crises like the mass casualty and COVID-19, describing this work as “leading whole communities through valleys of loss".

Currently, Matt's role with the Palliative Care Network involves developing a Grief Practice Support Program for Nova Scotia Health. This program aims to provide Nova Scotia Health staff, physicians and volunteers with education, training and resources to enhance their knowledge, skills and confidence in providing high-quality grief and bereavement care.  

Reflecting on its success, Matt shares: "Loss is a constant, not an exception of the human condition. Grief is an experience, not a stage. Compassion is a verb—a choice we can make." It's this approach that has led hundreds of healthcare providers to embrace compassionate practices more intentionally in their interactions.

A big believer in leadership by example, Matt emphasizes presence, listening and discernment as his core responsibilities. "Listening in today’s world is challenging," he notes, "but when we truly listen, we can discern how to act from our values." He encourages future leaders to reject outdated notions of toughness and instead to bravely show compassion. "Compassion isn’t trying to fix or save someone," he reminds us. "It’s being willing to stand in their pain as a human being and face it together."

Matt’s passion for his work is clear, driven by the belief that communities grow stronger when they openly share and navigate grief together. He continues to inspire others through his thoughtful leadership and his unwavering dedication to transforming how we understand and support each other through life's most difficult moments.

Photo of Matt Fillier.