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
Many people think that MAiD is only for people who are about to die. This is not correct. Since 2021, MAiD has expanded to persons with disabilities and chronic conditions.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is an umbrella term that refers to both euthanasia (a lethal injection) and assisted suicide (a lethal drug) that are prescribed to a patient for the purpose of ending life. A 2020 Church document called the procedure “intrinsically evil”. Many Catholics are confused about this. For the next fourteen weeks we will be providing readers with some basic facts designed to explain why the Catholic Church insists that MAiD is contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ, and the hope we have when we unite our death and dying to Christ.
The Christian Medical and Dental Association Canada (CMDA) is inviting people to join them for a vital discussion on MAiD in Canada with Deacon Larry Worthen Executive Director of CMDA Canada. The concept of MAiD, whether new to you or not, is a growing part of healthcare that deserves more attention from the faith community. Learn how policies in Nova Scotia may affect you, your loved ones, physicians in NS, and the overall healthcare system. We’ll take a look at this important subject from the Christian perspective, with history, insights and testimonials on the increasing impact of MAiD. Find out which provinces have the most restrictive policies and why change is needed to advocate for dignity affirming healthcare.
