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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

 

We can treat pain at end of life

Palliative care supports patients physically, spiritually, and emotionally at the end of life. The goal of palliative care is not to hasten the patient's death, but to attend to all types of suffering and alleviate pain to improve quality of life. Palliative care experts indicate that all physical pain can be treated at end of life.

More palliative care services are needed in Canada, along with supports for persons with disabilities, chronic conditions, or mental health concerns. Sadly, there are documented cases where provincial governments have diverted funds from palliative care to MAiD services. When patients have limited access to well-funded alternatives, they may feel that MAiD is their only choice.

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

Prayer

Samples of prayers for specific moments, as well as contact info for a great variety of resources.

Resources

Contact info for information and materials to meet the great many needs, interests and circumstances.