We have won a dubious victory. The expansion of MAiD to those suffering from mental illness alone has been stopped, but the government’s newly proposed Bill C-41 will open another door through advance requests.
This is effectively a backdoor to a “Track Three” option for MAiD. Individuals diagnosed with a serious, incurable condition such as dementia could, while still capable of consenting, request “death-in-advance.” If they later lose that capacity, their lives could still be ended through MAiD without further consent required.
Already, we risk treating people with disabilities and chronic conditions as less than worthy of care. Offering death when someone needs medical attention is a major affront to the dignity of the person and the right to proper care, regardless of ability or disability. Ableism and ageism have no place in care.
An advance request will come back to bite us badly. We cannot know what we will desire in the future when proper care and love are given. Families could face the death of their mother, father or loved one when that person can no longer give informed consent.
The bill requires two independent practitioners to confirm eligibility and prohibits MAiD if the person demonstrates refusal or resistance. Nevertheless, practitioners would have to “interpret” the person’s suffering and determine whether the circumstances are met. The stone-faced refusal of Brigitte Stegemann to even answer the question did not protect her from death. She was “maided” on July 10, 2026.
Paperwork cannot answer every question of the human heart. Our loved ones deserve care, protection and dignity throughout LIFE.
Next Wednesday, we honour those brave men and women who gave their lives so that we may live in freedom. Is this the fruit of their legacy?? Canada must do better in upholding the dignity and gift of LIFE for ALL its citizens regardless of age, ability or circumstance. On November 11 we will stand as a nation and remember those who died for us. Let us not abuse this invaluable sacrifice they have made, so that we can choose LIFE.
