Dear friends,
As the end of 2022 approaches, Canadians and the world are becoming more and more alarmed at the dramatic expansion of euthanasia in our country.
10,000 people died through “medical assistance in dying” in Canada in 2021.
According to the latest report of the Commission on end-of-life care, Quebec has become the euthanasia capital of the world. 5.1% of deaths were through MAiD in 2021-2022, compared to 4.8% in the Netherlands and 2.3% in Belgium, countries where it has been legal for over 20 years.
More and more cases are coming to light of MAiD without adequate consent and of people requesting death through MAiD because of poverty, homelessness and a lack of medical and social support, as can be seen in this Associated Press article and many others.
This article is well worth reading in its entirety, including the links to CAMAP (Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers) videos. It shows that the euthanasia lobby is well aware that some Canadians are being pushed toward MAiD because of poverty and social isolation.
A commentary about this investigation, echoing similar concerns about poverty being a driving force for MAiD: The assisted suicide doctors who freely admit their patients are driven by poverty
And from the UK: Canada’s assisted dying catastrophe is a warning to Britain.
The Simons clothing store moved into the promotion of euthanasia, and then a news report taught us that the disabled woman in their video had said publicly a few months earlier that she was seeking MAiD because of a lack of support from the health care system.
And finally some comment from the francophone press.
The federal Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying has wrapped up its hearings, but the report will only be tabled in February 2023. Recently the chairs of psychiatry at all Canadian faculties of medicine called for a delay, citing among other worrisome elements the impossibility of determining irremediability in mental illness. At the same time, several of our colleagues took part in a panel on TV Ontario, explaining their concerns about such expansion. On December 15, the government responded. Justice Minister David Lametti announced legislation to delay the deadline. It is the only responsible thing to do. See this commentary by psychiatrist Dr. Sonu Gaind.
Other urgent pleas include advocacy by the disability community for protection from MAiD laws and the outcry over veterans being offered MAiD by Veterans Affairs employees when they are seeking help. As Dr. John Maher observed, the outcry is valid, but what about the rest of Canadians whose lives are put equally at risk by the MAiD law?
In Québec we expect the government to table a new bill in 2023 similar to the failed Bill 38, which would allow euthanasia by advance request for people incapable of decision-making, as well as requiring all private palliative care homes to provide MAiD. The Quebec College wants to go even farther, advocating for euthanasia for mental illness and for newborns.
Some colleagues and I recently expressed our concerns to the College about their position, but have so far not received any response.
The group Physicians Together with Vulnerable Canadians is advocating in Ontario to improve safeguards for patients and to promote conscience rights for physicians.
Please take a moment to contact your federal and provincial elected representatives to express your concerns about the dizzying expansion of MAiD.
We take this opportunity to wish all our members and supporters joy in all your celebrations this holiday season. We thank you for all your support throughout the year and we wish you all the best for the New Year 2023!
Sincerely,
Catherine Ferrier MD
President