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Ministry of Care and Companionship

On Medical Assistance in Dying and Hope in Christ: A toolkit to share our message

71624139 b00d 45d7 9803 e3d78724f96dIn 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

Dying with Christ, Living with Hope

 

MAiD Awareness Sunday: April 18, 2026

As Christians, we are called to care for the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of every life. If no action is taken before March 17, 2027, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) will be expanded to include individuals whose only medical condition is mental health-related. Suicidal thinking can be a symptom for those living with mental illness. When patients share their desire to die, it’s time to use suicide prevention strategies.

However, the NS medical regulator requires physicians to offer euthanasia to patients as one of their potential medical treatments without patients requesting that information and, if the patient requests it, sign referral forms so their patients can get euthanasia. Imagine the dilemma of the Christian physician who is forced to help the patient access euthanasia rather than treating them. 

We invite parishioners to write to the Honourable Brian Comer, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, to ask for stronger protections, improved mental health supports, and changes to physician legal requirements. 

Sign letters at your parish on MAiD Awareness Sunday, April 18 or send your own email using this link: www.nooptionsnochoice.com/english/take-action-nova-scotia-consent

This campaign is being organized by the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada (CMDA). For more information on CMDA visit: cmdacanada.org

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