Local Chapter
The Metro Vancouver Chapter of Dying with Dignity Canada (DWDC) was formed in 2013 by Dr. Sue Hughson. The Chapter provides residents of Metro Vancouver with information and resources on end-of-life issues including medical assistance in dying (MAID), Advance Care Planning, and patient rights. The Metro Vancouver Chapter offers resources and services in support of end-of-life choice, including presentations to community groups, trained volunteer witnesses (to satisfy the legal requirement of one Independent Witness for each MAID request), and information about barriers to access and practical ways of advocating for increased end-of-life choice in your community.
"In My Own Time" is a documentary that looks at what it means to die on one’s own terms, using first-hand accounts from people across Canada.
Independent Witnessing: The current legislation requires all Canadians 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 is currently being conducted virtually due to COVID restrictions. If you require a witness, contact us at vancouver.witness@dyingwithdignity.ca.
Community education: DWDC Metro Vancouver has presentations available on two end-of-life topics: MAID (including its history, eligibility, and the limitations of the current legislation) and Advance Care Planning (this presentation will explain the purpose and benefits of an Advance Care Plan, how to begin this process, and how to select a Substitute Decision-Maker).
Information sessions are free and can be tailored to suit your group’s specific concerns. Each session lasts approximately 40-45 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for a Q&A but can be shortened to accommodate your group’s interests and timeline. These sessions are currently being conducted via Zoom, but the Chapter hopes to offer in-person sessions once COVID restrictions are lifted.
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 Alex Muir, Metro Vancouver Chapter Chair at vancouver@dyingwithdignity.ca.
Featured story
In the fall of 2020, one of our board members, Dr. Jonathan Reggler, shared an article from Powell River Living Magazine with Dying With Dignity Canada. It was a story about Mark Huddleston, a gentleman from British Columbia who chose medical assistance in dying (MAID) and his very inclusive, outdoor end-of-life ceremony....
Empower. Inform. Protect your rights.
