Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC) rejects the claims made by Kelen McBreen in InfoWars as categorically false and an example of the insidious disinformation that threatens Canadians’ end-of-life rights. A mature minor is defined as an individual under the age of 18 but capable of making decisions related to their health. In the context of MAID and mature minors, we are talking about individuals whose deaths are reasonably foreseeable. DWDC does not advocate for MAID for individuals under the age of 18 who are suffering from a mental illness. The issue of MAID and mature minors has no connection to the legalization of MAID for mental disorders. 

Right now, there is no legislation that addresses the eligibility of mature minors for MAID. If legislation were proposed, DWDC would take the position that the informed consent of a competent parent or guardian be required for eligible minors seeking MAID who are 12 to 15 years of age inclusive, and that MAID assessors be required to consult a competent parent or guardian for eligible minors aged 16 and 17. Regardless of age, individuals experiencing suicidality or in a state of crisis are not eligible for MAID, and suffering from a lack of social supports does not qualify a person for MAID. 

The brochure being circulated and falsely attributed to DWDC and/or the Government of Canada was created by The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), with a clear anti-choice agenda. It is inappropriate and shameful that this brochure would be distributed at an addiction facility to people seeking support.