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
Dear Friends,
On this first Sunday of Advent, I am pleased to present the pastoral reflection of the Atlantic Bishops, on the matter of medically assisted dying.
In this letter, the bishops offer their thoughts and advise on how to appropriately respond to individuals and their families who may be considering medically assisted dying and seeking pastoral care.
Bill C-14, which will amend the criminal code to allow euthanasia and assisted suicide, has been passed by the House of Commons and is now before the Senate. Healthcare workers and institutions are concerned that they may be required to participate in euthanasia and assisted suicide against their moral convictions.
“… I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days…” (Deut. 30:19)
Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
June 5, 2016
To the faithful of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth,
Dear Friends,
Greetings and blessings to all of you!
Last week the government of Canada introduced Bill C-14 which sets out proposed legislation to make available “assisted dying” to those who wish to use medical means to end their lives. It must be made clear that this is contrary to our Catholic understanding and teachings regarding life and death.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has released a statement and many individual bishops, including Archbishop Mancini, have issued their own statements. In part Archbishop Mancini’s reads:
