Ministry of Care and Companionship

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

How Can I Help Someone Considering MAiD?

If someone wants to die by euthanasia, how can we respond to help them choose life? First, we need to listen. Careful listening will help them feel safe to share their innermost thoughts about what led them to this conclusion. We need to help them vocalize their suffering. This requires vulnerability and great trust. Once they are honest about their true feelings, they may be willing to undertake some brainstorming about other ways to deal with the feelings that are at the root of their decision. A commitment to accompany the person through whatever they face can give them the courage to live through their dying process.

For more information and reflections on MAiD and its impact CLICK HERE