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

Is MAid rare and only for the sickest patients?

Did you know that MAiD in Canada is growing at a faster rate than in any other country on earth? It is estimated that 60,000 Canadians have died from MAiD since it was legalized in 2016. Most people don’t realize that the criteria that decides who is approved for MAiD were written by one judge in British Columbia.

The terms used are vague and ill-defined leaving a lot of room for interpretation for the doctors doing the assessment. Currently in Nova Scotia, 97% of people who apply for MAiD are approved. Dr. Madeline Li, a prominent MAiD provider in Toronto, said the following: “Canada’s MAiD laws are missing fundamental safeguards for vulnerable people. That needs to change. The current law has no place for clinical judgment, and no stipulation for meaningful conversation.”

For more information and reflections on MAiD and it’s impact CLICK HERE