Thunder Bay Chapter
Local Chapter
About Us
In 2024, the Thunder Bay Chapter of Dying With Dignity Canada was officially founded. Some committee volunteers are new supporters of end-of-life choice, while others have been involved for over twenty years. Together, volunteers in the Chapter are dedicated and passionate about human rights and end-of-life choice.
Our geographical boundaries include the city of Thunder Bay, the Fort William First Nation, the Townships of Conmee, Dorion, Gillies, Neebing, O’Connor, Oliver Paipoonge, and Shuniah as well at the unorganized areas of East Gorham, Hurkett, Kaministiquia, Lappe, Shebandowan and Nolalu. We are actively recruiting volunteers and are hoping to expand our presence through individual volunteers in surrounding smaller communities. Our mission is to continue to welcome others with an interest in end-of-life choice into our inclusive, diverse and energizing group!
Services Provided
- Independent Witnessing
- Community education
- Please see Additional Information section below for more information on these services.
Our Chapter's Team
Holly M.
Chapter Chair and Independent WitnessMaxine L.
Director of Presentations, Events, and SecretaryJackie G.
TreasurerDeneen B.
Director of Volunteer Development and Independent WitnessEvelyn B.
Member at LargeUpcoming Events
There are currently no upcoming local events. Explore all national events and webinars.
Featured Resources
Additional Information
Independent Witnessing: The current legislation requires all people across Canada requesting medical assistance in dying (MAID) to have their written request signed by one Independent Witness (i.e. someone who understands the nature of the request and is not an unpaid caregiver or beneficiary of the individual making the request). Witnessing can happen virtually or in-person. To learn more about Independent Witnesses or to request assistance, please click here.
Community education: The Thunder Bay Chapter of Dying With Dignity Canada currently has two presentations available: An introduction to DWDC and the Thunder Bay Chapter, and Advance Care Planning.
Information sessions are free and can be adapted to accommodate your groups’ interest and timeline. Each presentation includes time for Questions and Answers.
If you would like to request a presentation for a specific local group, or if you know of a local group who might want to be an audience for either presentation, please email us at thunderbay@dyingwithdignity.ca.
The Thunder Bay Chapter wishes to honour all past advocates in the following historical note:
The Thunder Bay DWDC Chapter was largely inspired by the work of local resident Sheila Noyes. Since 1993, Sheila has continually advocated for ‘end-of-life choice’ at every opportunity. In 2015, Following the Supreme Court ruled unanimous approval of Bill C-14 Sheila was quoted by the media saying, “There’s nothing to be gained from prolonged suffering, and that’s a choice Canadians will have; not to suffer.” Then in 2020, over 900 residents and supporters of Bill C-14, signed a petition requesting the Federal Minister of Health consider amendments including the approval of Advance Requests. Hats off to all who volunteered time and energy to advocate for end-of-life choice in Thunder Bay from the beginning.
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Featured story
Affirmed with love and support: Jackie's choice
Here is my story with medical assistance in dying (MAID). In August of 2017, my wife was diagnosed with a cancer in the bones of her hips. She had suffered pain in her hips for some time but thought it was arthritis. When diagnosed, she immediately...
Empower. Inform. Protect your rights.