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On January 13, the Minister of Justice, David Lametti announced the beginning of a review to revise MAID.   It’s really in two parts – the first is a questionnaire to be included with the study of the  Should be  Should be Quebec Superior Court’s Ruling (Gladu and Truchon – September 2019).   The Prime Minister has already announced the Federal Government will not appeal the Quebec Court’s decision and will look at ways to remove ‘other restrictions.’   The second part will begin in June and anything can happen.   The study will encompass the Canadian College of Academies(CCA) report of last December.   CCA had been commissioned to present problems(no suggestions nor solutions) respecting MAID’s exclusion of minors(under 18), those with mental health problems, and people with dementia. 

I don’t expect a quick review (I may not live long enough).
As you might expect, I have prepared my recommendations based upon the need for MAID to be simpler, more caring, and administered with the dignity and privacy it deserves.   My submission follows.

Does that mean “world of wonder?”

So many things coming together at the same time and we seemingly have the right politicians coming to the field at the right time to provide leadership (now that’s a world of wonder).   We have the Truchon & Gladu case from Quebec and the wonderful promise of the Prime Minister “to not appeal .. and study the legislation to remove other restrictive practices.”

The door is opening.   Take a look:

https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/quebec_plans_advance_requests

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/medical-assistance-in-death-report-1.5377890

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-from-dementia-to-medically-assisted-death-a-canadian-womans-journey

In spite of my optimism, I realize it’s not a straight course.   There are gaps.   Look at this news piece from CTV on December 8, 2019…

https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1849846&jwsource=cl

Obviously, we have a way to go .. but you and I can play a role in this evolution of Canadian medical history.   Here’s what I wrote .. and I’m going to write more to every MP and MPP for whom I can find an email address.   Please join in and help “kick the ball” down the field.   The goal posts are wide open.

Dutch patients with dementia who want euthanasia are less likely to get it if their disease is advanced – so many request it very early.

Source: Wanting to die at ‘five to midnight’ – before dementia takes over – BBC News

Frequently, the most difficult time for people with dementia are the hours and days immediately following their assessment.   This is when they first have to grapple with the fears, stigma and bias associated with dementia.   Unfortunately, if they can’t get past this, they’ll never be able to move on to a new life when they can live well with a better understanding and acceptance of themselves.

In my workshops I call this .. Get Real.

Here are two papers which I offer for reading and discussion.   The first is entitled, “I’m Not Vulnerable.”   The second is, “ Please No Pity.”

Sooke woman wants House of Commons to debate allowing MAID for people with Alzheimer’s disease

WATCH: A Sooke woman is petitioning the federal government to allow people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to give advanced consent for a medically-assisted death. She began her fight after watching her mom, a vibrant artist, battle the disease. Luisa Alvarez has the story. (click picture)

This is just in…   February 1, 2019

Dana has won a big one for all of us.   The petition closed on January 30.   The results can be read at .. Petition e-1854 – E-petitions.

So many wanting access to Medical Assistance in Dying.   So many “not vulnerable;” so many not crying “for protection;”   so many “wanting their rights;” and so many wanting MAID corrected and their Advance Request(AR) respected and honoured.

Thank you Dana and all those who responded.   This is a big step forward!

I have closed this website with the Serenity Prayer – first offered to me by a close friend and mentor more than fifty years ago.   It’s provided me with comfort and guidance.   I wish the same for you.

“A London, Ont. man in the early stages of dementia wants the right to end his life with medical assistance when his condition gets worse. But current laws make no provision for advanced requests – effectively excluding people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

CBC Radio