Tell us about yourself, why you volunteer for DWDC, and how you came to be the Independent Witness Coordinator for the Greater Vancouver Chapter of DWDC? 

My journey to becoming the Independent Witness Coordinator grew from a deep passion for end-of-life care and advocacy. Volunteering with DWDC felt like a natural extension of my commitment to providing compassionate support to those navigating difficult decisions in their final days. This role allows me to walk alongside individuals during one of life’s most profound moments, ensuring their choices are respected and met with care. 

Originally from the southeast coast of Ireland, I’ve called Vancouver home for the past 16 years, living as an uninvited guest on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. My background is in the tech industry, where I worked in industry relations and partnerships. However, in recent years, my focus has shifted entirely to end-of-life projects, particularly in supporting underrepresented communities. 

My role with DWDC has given me the privilege of accompanying individuals through the MAID process, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported. In addition to coordinating the Independent Witness Program, I’ve led educational sessions for diverse communities, including First Nations, Métis Nation BC, and various faith-based and seniors groups. Before this, I had the honour of supporting a Queer Elder through his MAID journey in the final three months of his life, an experience that deeply shaped my commitment to this work. 

Beyond my work with DWDC, I am actively engaged in a number of end-of-life care initiatives, including the creation of my own nonprofit to guide and expand my efforts. Some of the key projects I also contribute to locally include: 

Vancouver Hospice: Offering bedside support to patients, ensuring compassionate care during their final days. 

Callanish: Supporting retreats for individuals living with and dying from cancer. 

Community Deathcare Project: Engaging with communities connected to the Downtown Eastside to provide grief support and build connections during times of loss. 

MAID Family Support: Volunteering as a peer support member, offering guidance and emotional support to families navigating the MAID process. 

Dignity Seniors: Working to create culturally safe pathways into long-term care for 2SLGBTQ+ elders across BC. 

At the heart of all of these initiatives is a deep commitment to showing up with kindness, fostering open and honest conversations, and ensuring that no one has to face the end of life alone. 

Can you explain to the reader what the role of the Independent Witness is in a MAID request? 

An Independent Witness plays a vital role in ensuring that the process of requesting Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) remains transparent, ethical, and legally compliant. We serve as impartial witnesses, confirming that the individual making the request is doing so voluntarily, with full understanding, and free from any coercion. At the heart of this role is a deep commitment to upholding a person’s autonomy and end-of-life choices with dignity and respect. 

As the Lead for the Independent Witnessing & Proxy Program in Vancouver, I oversee and coordinate referrals for individuals applying for MAID who require a witness or proxy. These referrals may come from Health Authorities (such as Fraser Health or Vancouver Coastal Health), directly from requestors, or through the DWDC website. My role ensures that every request is met with care, efficiency, and respect for the individual’s timeline and needs. 

At its core, this work is about more than just process; it’s about holding space for people in a moment of profound transition. As Independent Witnesses, we offer not just a signature but a presence that affirms autonomy, dignity, and the right to make informed end-of-life choices. 

DWDC has Independent Witness volunteers across the country, and some Chapters have a coordinator to manage the requests. Why is this service needed? 

Independent witnessing serves as a crucial safeguard in the MAID process, ensuring that an individual’s decision is made freely, with full understanding, and without external pressure. Beyond its legal role, this service provides peace of mind—not only to the person making the request but also to their loved ones. The presence of an impartial witness helps ensure that the process is carried out with respect, dignity, and clarity, reinforcing a person’s right to make informed choices at the end of life. 

In the Vancouver area, our team supports approximately 100 witnessing appointments each year, along with a significant number of general inquiries. Our dedicated group of volunteers provides this service across their respective municipalities, ensuring that individuals in need have access to compassionate, timely support. 

At its core, independent witnessing is about more than just legal compliance. It’s about honoring autonomy, holding space for deeply personal decisions, and ensuring that no one has to navigate this process alone. 

Independent witnessing can occur virtually and in person, what is the ratio of the witnessings you coordinate? 

In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in virtual witnessings, offering flexibility, especially for those in remote areas or healthcare settings where having someone physically present isn’t always possible. At the same time, many individuals, as well as our volunteers, deeply value the in-person experience for the sense of human connection and support it provides. 

Over the past year, about 25% of witnessings have been conducted virtually via Zoom. I’ve noticed that younger individuals (under 55) and those living in the downtown core often prefer virtual appointments, while others appreciate the reassurance of having someone there with them in person. While virtual witnessing is convenient, it’s not a substitute for the emotional connection that in-person witnessing can provide. 

No matter the format, what matters most is that every person feels supported, heard, and empowered in their choices. Whether witnessing happens in person or online, the heart of this work remains the same: ensuring that no one has to navigate this process alone. 

What can you tell us about the act of independent witnessing? What’s it like to meet someone who has made the decision to be assessed for MAID? What are the common moods or reactions you observe when helping these individuals? 

The act of independent witnessing is humbling. Meeting someone who has made the decision to seek MAID is always a deeply emotional experience, as it involves individuals facing their mortality with immense courage. Many people approach the moment with calm and resolution, but there are also moments of sadness, fear, and uncertainty. As a witness, my role is to offer a steady, compassionate presence, providing reassurance and ensuring that the individual knows their decision is being treated with the utmost respect and dignity. 

Every encounter is unique, but there is a shared sense of gratitude for the opportunity to make a conscious choice in the face of terminal illness. In these moments, it’s clear that the ability to make an informed decision can bring a sense of peace and empowerment, even amidst the difficult emotions that often accompany such a decision. 

Informed consent is a central focus of this role. I work closely with requesters to connect them with resources and community support, ensuring they have the information they need to make their choices with full understanding. Along with handling the practical aspects of submitting paperwork to the appropriate Health Authority, I also prioritize connecting individuals with the emotional and community support they need. Facing this journey can feel overwhelming, but no one has to go through it alone. We often recommend peer support groups and community circles, like those offered through Bridge C-14, where people can find connection and understanding during this difficult time. For family members, the compassionate team at MAID Family Support Services is always there to offer guidance and support, helping everyone navigate the process with care and kindness. 

At the heart of this work is the goal of ensuring that each person, and their loved ones, feel supported and surrounded by care every step of the way. 

Can you share a memorable or unexpected encounter with someone while witnessing their MAID form? 

Every encounter is memorable in its own way, but one that stands out is with a woman who, after completing her MAID request, shared how she had made peace with her decision over time. She spoke about the love she had for her family and how she had spent years ensuring her loved ones would be okay after she was gone. That conversation reminded me of how much care and intention people bring to these decisions, even when it involves letting go. It was a beautiful, poignant moment of connection, and it reinforced the importance of this work in supporting people through these incredibly difficult moments. 

I also find myself enjoying the storytelling that often unfolds during these moments. People frequently share parts of their lives—stories of love, challenges, lessons, and memories that have shaped who they are. These conversations are a beautiful reminder of the richness of life, even in its final stages. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about independent witnessing, or being a volunteer at DWDC? 

I feel grateful to be part of a community that supports individuals in making informed, compassionate choices about their end-of-life care. Independent witnessing is much more than just signing a form; it’s about creating a safe, respectful space where people feel heard, valued, and understood. Being part of this work has deepened my understanding of what it means to support someone with dignity at the end of their life, and I carry that insight with me in everything I do.