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Victoria

The Victoria Chapter formed in December 2015 and later expanded its reach to represent the interests of more than 2,000 Dying With Dignity Canada supporters on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. We work closely with the Vancouver chapter.

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Learn more about your choices:

Island Health offers comprehensive information about medical assistance in dying (MAID) on its website. They say:

How can eligible patients receive medical assistance in dying in B.C.?

Patients looking to access medical assistance in dying should bring their wishes or questions to the attention of their doctor, who can discuss the options available to the patient or refer them to someone who can help.

Island Health has designated supports to help patients requesting information on medical assistance in dying. Contact them at: 

Phone:   250-727-4382 (Greater Victoria)
Toll Free:  1-877-370-8699
Email:  maid@viha.ca

Patients can expect requests for medical assistance in dying to be received in a compassionate and respectful manner.  Before anyone is able to receive medical assistance in dying, they must be assessed to see if they are eligible for this service. This process also ensures the patient is aware of all of the care options available to them and has the information required to make an informed decision.

See the guide on How to Apply for Medically Assisted Death. If you need independent witnesses to witness your signature/date on the formal MAID request document, our trained volunteers can help -- contact vicwitnessing@gmail.com.

You may also contact one of the Island Health physicians who offer MAiD services directly. Visit Island Health's MAiD webpage for names and contact information.

To reach other MAiD Coordinators in BC, visit your local health authority online:

Recent media coverage:

See all media coverage from the Victoria Chapter, Vancouver Island and BC

Resources:

Our work:

The Victoria chapter works to ensure fair access to assisted dying, a legal right for all British Columbians who qualify under the federal law. With a strong core of volunteers, we focus on education on legal end-of-life choices. Contact us to speak to your group about end-of-life choice, assisted dying and patient rights. Our latest presentation is Assisted Dying 101: The Basics. We have presented it to great interest to more than 200 people around Victoria. We would welcome holding a meeting with your group.

We were leaders in developing the national independent witness program, and now provide trained volunteers to people who need their formal request for an assisted death witnessed and are unable to find their own witnesses. Learn more about DWDC's Witness Policy here. Contact us at victoria.witness@dyingwithdignity.ca. 

For more information and to get involved, contact victoria@dyingwithdignity.ca.

Rest in peace, Noreen Campbell:

Noreen Campbell and DashaVancouver Island activist and member of Dying With Dignity Canada's Disability Advisory Council, Noreen Campbell died in her sunroom at home, surrounded by family, on January 12, 2017. Two days before her planned assisted death she wrote:

"This is MAID in a nut shell – acceptance of dying and stopping the suffering associated with it. This is the peaceful death – for me and for my family."

A beautiful memorial celebrating her life in all its rich dimensions was held on January 28, 2017. It was attended by hundreds of people whose lives she touched.

A video series, Noreen Speaks, launched on this site in February 2017.

Media coverage about Noreen:

Past events:

Past actions:

Act now: Speak out for fair access to assisted dying on Vancouver Island