CAMAP is disappointed to see the recent coverage of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada, including stories by The Globe and Mail, CTV News, and elsewhere which contain multiple factual inaccuracies that do not reflect our organization’s purpose, practices, or the principles guiding MAiD in Canada. These misrepresentations only serve to delegitimize the work of our members, and make it more difficult for patients to seek care.
CAMAP is committed to supporting MAiD professionals by providing them with specialized education, training curriculum, and ongoing guidance for thoughtful and thorough assessments. Recent media pieces have instead looked to discredit their work by attempting to justify a narrative built on a misunderstanding or misinformation about MAiD in Canada.
It is essential to understand that all MAiD assessments and requests are patient-driven. Any individual seeking MAiD goes through a rigorous, patient-initiated process that prioritizes autonomy, dignity, and compassionate care. Multiple safeguards are in place to ensure this is the case.
Our guidance documents for assessors and providers are intended to aid professionals in understanding best practices within the current legal and ethical framework. Contrary to some recent reporting, this does not include any suggestion of changing a patient’s eligibility pathway from Track 2 to Track 1.
As an organization, CAMAP’s mandate is to support those who work in MAiD. We do not comment on individual cases or ongoing legislative matters, nor do we advocate for specific policy outcomes. Our focus remains on supporting the professionals who enable MAiD to be practiced safely, ethically, and in line with Canadian laws.
We encourage the public to find more information here about our work and values.