10 years after MAiD’s legalization, Archbishop Smith urges care, not death

Ten years after the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada, Archbishop Richard Smith is joining the Catholic bishops of Canada in expressing renewed concern for those who are sick, vulnerable, elderly, disabled, and isolated. 

In a statement released ahead of the grim anniversary, the bishops said Catholics and all people of goodwill should “remain steadfast in opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide” and be present to those who are sick and vulnerable. 

Bill C-14 received Royal Assent ten years ago on June 17, 2016, legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide across Canada under the euphemistic “medical assistance in dying,” or MAiD. Initially, eligibility was limited to adults who met specific conditions, including that their natural death was “reasonably foreseeable.” 

The bishops say Canada’s MAiD regime has expanded significantly since 2016. 

In 2021, Parliament removed the requirement that a person’s natural death be reasonably foreseeable, opening eligibility to some people who are not approaching death but have a “grievous and irremediable” medical condition. 

Eligibility for people whose sole underlying medical condition is mental illness has been delayed until March 17, 2027. The federal government recently convened a committee to review current laws related to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Those committee hearings have concluded, and a final report is expected soon, with debate scheduled to resume in late September. 

For the bishops, the continued debate over expansion highlights a deeper concern: how Canada responds to suffering, dependence, loneliness, and fear. 

Health Canada reported 16,499 MAiD deaths in 2024, nearly 1,400 deaths per month and 5.1 per cent of all deaths in Canada that year. Citing those rising numbers, the bishops said an estimated 100,000 Canadians have died by euthanasia or assisted suicide since legalization since 2016. 

Canada’s own reporting shows that people who receive MAiD often report suffering that goes beyond physical pain. In 2024, the most reported source of suffering among MAiD recipients was the loss of ability to engage in meaningful activities. Other reported sources included loss of independence, loss of dignity, existential suffering, perceived burden on family or caregivers, and isolation or loneliness. 

The bishops said such realities call for compassion, presence, palliative care, and practical support. 

“As disciples of Christ, we affirm that every human life is a gift, holds profound dignity and value,” the bishops said. “True compassion does not answer suffering with death.” 

Archbishop Richard Smith marked the anniversary by calling Catholics in Vancouver to witness to the dignity of every person. 

“At a time when many are led to believe their lives lack purpose or value, each one of us must witness to the truth that every person is loved by God,” Archbishop Smith said. “By our words and actions, we must make known that no one is ever a burden and that every person is worthy of care, accompaniment, and hope.” 

The bishops are asking Catholics to pray for those who are sick, suffering, isolated, or nearing the end of life; for their families, caregivers, and health-care professionals; and for the creation of a culture that receives every life as a gift and does not abandon those most in need. 

“Even in suffering, illness, dependence, and frailty,” say the bishops, "human life retains its God-given dignity and capacity for love, communion, and grace." 

Along with their statement, the bishops provided this prayer, asking God for his comfort and strength. 

PRAYER

In communion with our Lord, the Great Physician,
let us offer together a prayer of hope, compassion, and vision
towards the promise of everlasting love and life:

Loving God,
rock of strength for those
who trust in you;
comforter of those who call on you.
Hear the cry of those who suffer
from sickness or weakness,
and embrace them
in your loving arms.
Give them peace,
and strengthen them
with the vision of your kingdom.
We make this prayer through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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