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
There is ever-growing concern for how euthanasia, or medical assistance in dying (MAiD), is evolving across Canada. As Catholics how do we respond? Archbishop Dunn encourages the faithful to educate themselves on the issue and our Catholic teaching on the dignity of life. Last week Archbishop Dunn released a letter to the faithful that expressed his concern about MAiD and offers some resources. You can read the full letter here or pdf.
Many people are concerned with the ever expanding medical assistance in dying (MAiD) criteria and the numerous recent news reports about people who have chosen MAiD because alternatives were not available. Vulnerable people are choosing MAiD because of poverty, lack of proper housing, unavailability of palliative care, and the insufficiency of programs and supports for persons with disabilities and chronic conditions. This time next year, when legislation is expected to take effect, we will undoubtedly see people with mental health concerns choosing MAiD because of lack of proper mental health services and supports.
A reminder that as a Church, we honour and uphold the dignity of every human being from conception to natural death. Our parish leaders walk with many who face end of life issues. Archbishop Dunn also encourages all the faithful to understand better how we can care for one another. A couple of resources to offer:
In the fall, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) released Horizons of For Hope: A toolkit for parishes on palliative care. The resource aims to:
