Warning: This blog post mentions suicide. You don’t have to look too hard lately to find media reporting negatively on medical assistance in dying (MAID) for those who live with a mental disorder. Before I go on, I think it’s important to point out that the decision has already been...
In this webinar, DWDC was joined by nurse practitioners Valerie Cooper and Elizabeth Leonardis, who shared their insights, experiences and perspectives related to end-of-life care. Tip: We've uploaded timestamps so you can jump straight to the questions and answers that interest you most. Just select "Watch on YouTube" above, and read...
My Grandpa J was diagnosed with dementia around 2015.
Everyone, including persons with disabilities, should have both the right to live and the right to choose their end-of-life.
In his latest post for the DWDC blog, Dr. David Amies examines the Council of Canadian Academies’ report on the possible implications of extending assisted dying access to mature minors. In this piece, he asks a difficult but necessary question: is it fair to allow an 80-year-old with terminal cancer...
We’re asking people across Canada to send a letter to their Members of Parliament to advocate for the legalization of advance requests.
Dying With Dignity Canada’s longevity and success is due in large part to the many volunteers who work on the local and at the regional level. We have Chapters across the country powered by people passionate about end-of-life choice. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting the stories and contributions...
Over the past twenty years, assisted dying legislative practices have expanded around the world. Jenna Carter, the granddaughter of Kay Carter, gave a presentation exploring global trends and shifting public perceptions surrounding the practice.
Bill C-7 reached Royal Assent on March 17, 2021. The introduction of this new legislation included changes to eligibility for those accessing medical assistance in dying (MAID) and altered procedural safeguards. This free, online event, Bill C-7: Six months later, reflects on the impact of Bill C-7 on Canadians seeking...
Through a series of blog posts, we are examining each issue of the Parliamentary Review of MAID to inform and motivate Canadians to advocate for expanding the law. In this blog post, Lynne shares her honest and candid story about living with a brain injury and silent disability for the past 20 years. She...
On November 2, the Dying With Dignity Canada team was joined by Chelsea Peddle to learn about reframing the idea of legacy. In this recording, Chelsea shares some traditional ideas, including her mother's book, and talks about creating a living legacy through values and relationships. Resources: Willow end-of-life education and...
On January 11, the Dying With Dignity Canada team sat down with Caroline Variath and Dr. Tanja Daws to learn about the topic of bringing up MAID in Canada. For viewing subtitles in French: Click on the video to play, or open in YouTube in a separate window.At the bottom...
On January 20, Dr. BJ Miller sat down with the team at Dying With Dignity Canada to discuss palliative care. For viewing subtitles in French: Click on the video to play, or open in YouTube in a separate window.At the bottom right of the screen is a block with CC...
April 24 - 30 is Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. In recognition, Dr. Bill Wong has shared his insight and experience with MAID and organ donation with us. Dr. Bill Wong is an anesthesiologist practicing at Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga/Etobicoke where he is currently the Program Chief and...
DWDC supports the recommendations proposed by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) in its pre-budget submission, one of which proposes targeting funding at the Framework on Palliative Care in Canada.
Through a series of blog posts, we are examining each issue of the Parliamentary Review of MAID to inform and motivate Canadians to advocate for expanding the law. A mother of a daughter who suffers from mental illness shares her story and insight into her daughter's lived experience. My reflection as a mother and...
As of March 17, 2021, when Bill C-7 received Royal Assent, the law no longer requires a person’s natural death to be reasonably foreseeable to access medical assistance in dying (MAID).
Dr. Benjamin Schiff, MD and Assistant Professor, and Dr. Georges L’Espérance, FRCS(c), M. Sc. (Adm. Serv. Santé), Neurosurgeon, joined us to discuss various topics surrounding death and dying in Quebec. Some focal points included: General attitudes towards death and dying in QuebecCommon misconceptions about medical assistance in dying (MAID)Information and local resources to...
After more than 58 years of marriage, my husband, Lester Baylis took his last breath just one week shy of his 83rd birthday. It wasn’t a typical end of life scenario but planned through the medical assistance in dying program (MAID). Lester suffered a heart attack in 2000 resulting in double bypass surgery. In...
In celebration of the International Day of Charity, we wanted to share what motivates the staff at Dying With Dignity Canada to work in the charitable sector and, in particular, at Dying With Dignity Canada. The International Day of Charity, chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta on September 5, 1997, was established with...
Mary Ewert is the Executive Director of the Final Exit Network in the U.S. whose mission is to educate qualified individuals in practical, peaceful ways to end their lives, offer a compassionate bedside presence and defend their right to choose. Mary shares a summary of the session she presented at...
The objective of this blog post is to clarify the specific term we use regarding assisted dying here in Canada. Language matters, and by learning the correct terms to use when discussing health care and end-of-life choice, we can be clear about our wishes, and avoid misunderstandings or offending anyone....
November 16 is National Grief and Bereavement Day. In recognition of this important day we are sharing a series of stories submitted by DWDC supporters about their grief and bereavement experience and process. For some, writing down the memory of a loved one is part of their bereavement process, for...
In his penultimate post for the DWDC blog, Dr. David Amies examines the Council of Canadian Academies’ report on the possible implications of extending assisted dying access to individuals whose sole underlying medical condition is psychiatric in nature. It is safe to say there has been some discussion about the...
Join us today if you are one of the 86% of Canadians who believe that end-of-life rights are human rights and should be protected.
Before March 2021, the federal law, a sick and suffering individual looking to have an assisted death must have their written assisted dying request signed by two Independent Witnesses. These witnesses must not be involved in the applicant's care and cannot stand to materially benefit from the person's death. For many...
Eligibility and access issues put MAID out of reach for too many.
How do you say goodbye to a life partner of 25 years? In this post, Siobhan of Calgary, AB shares her experience supporting her husband Scott through his end-of-life journey and choice to access an assisted death. Read on for Siobhan’s powerful reflections on her family’s story, including lessons she...
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Dr. Ron Posno, age 80, is a tireless advocate for the right to end-of-life choice. In this moving piece, he shares his experience living with dementia and his personal perspective on Canada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) legislation. I am an eighty-year-old man... with dementia... and when I’m ready,...
Canada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) laws have been driven by individuals whose desire for dignity, autonomy, and self-determination have led them to fight forthe right to make decisions that align with their own personal values.
Every Canadian has a constitutionally protected right to make their own end-of-life decisions.
Priscilla Cole had one last lesson to teach before she died. A lifelong educator, she had devoted her career to instilling others with knowledge and the confidence to put it to good use. Among her pupils were the youngsters she taught at a private girls’ school in Toronto, the students...
Every day, Dying With Dignity Canada volunteers contribute to our mission and commitment to improving quality of dying and protecting end-of-life rights. Across the country, over 200 people give their time and skills to our work. The resources we offer and the achievements we have made would not have been...
Empower. Inform. Protect your rights.
