It was a long struggle to establish the right for people with intolerable suffering to die with dignity. Although the "crime" of suicide was repealed in 1972, the Criminal Code of Canada still prohibited aiding or abetting a person to commit suicide even for legitimate medical reasons. In 1993 the Supreme Court denied a right to assisted suicide in Rodriguez v British Columbia (AG).
I worked with the BC Civil Liberties Association to pursue the case of Carter v Canada (AG), which in 2015 resulted in a landmark decision where the Supreme Court unanimously declared the prohibition against assisted dying for intolerable suffering as contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) became legal. The legislature then amended the criminal code to clarify the rights and protections for those seeking MAiD.
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After the Carter decision I helped organize the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP). CAMAP offers guidance to ensure that MAiD is provided within the scope of the law to provide access to those who are in need. While CAMAP is predominantly made up of clinicians who provide MAiD services, social workers, nurses, care coordinators, pharmacists, lawyers, researchers, administrators, pastoral care and many others are also part of the organization.
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CAMAP provides many services to the medical community and to the public. It is a leader in education on MAiD. The group provides guidance to help ensure the highest level of medical standards in the delivery of care. It also provides a community of practice where those who are involved in delivering MAiD to patients in need can consult with each other to share skills and information and receive support.
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Find information on MAiD from Dying With Dignity Canada
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