On Medical Assistance in Dying and Hope in Christ: A toolkit to share our message
In June 2026, euthanasia, commonly known as MAiD, became legal in Canada. This changed the medical and healthcare landscape for all Canadians. For Canadian Catholics specifically, this raises moral questions that lead to difficult conversations or to their avoidance.
To bring greater awareness, understanding, and faithful action regarding MAiD, the Archdiocese created a toolkit titled "On Medical Assistance in Dying and Hope in Christ: A toolkit to share our message". The toolkit equips people to:
- Understand the current context of MAiD in Canada and Nova Scotia
- Talk about MAiD with family, friends, and parishioners
- Understand our Catholic teaching and stance against MAiD
- Access further resources
The toolkit is aimed at clergy, hospital chaplains, and those in pastoral care; however, it is available to all. The toolkit is meant to be used as a DIGITAL RESOURCE on your computer, tablet, or phone, and can be accessed by clicking the toolkit image to the left.
Many of the links within the toolkit connect to the resource directly, apart from the links below:
Dying with Christ, Living with Hope
An upcoming webinar titled: Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada Health Care Perspectives is being broadcast on September 21, 2017 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET.
This 90 minute webinar provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about these important matters:
- What Does Medical Assistance in Dying (AKA Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide) look like in Canada?
- What does it mean for the Catholic Health Care community?
A new webpage with resources from the Archdiocesan Ministry of Care and Companionship Committee to support the care of the sick and suffering in our parishes and regions is now available. You will find this page on the Archdiocesan website here: www.halifaxyarmouth.org/care
The bishops of the Atlantic region released a official document offering their thoughts on medical assistance in dying, on Sunday, November 27, 2016. They urge the need for pastoral care and companionship and deep prayer as the conversation continues regarding end of life care
Archbishop Mancini states in his cover letter:
Chers amis,
En ce premier dimanche de l’Avant, je suis heureux de vous présenter la réflexion pastorale des évêques de l’Atlantique sur l’assistance médicale à mourir.
Cette lettre des évêques vous partage leur pensés et leur conseils pour bien répondre aux individus et leur familles qui seraient porter à considérer l’assistance médicale à mourir et qui souhaiteraient un soin pastorale.
