Indigenous Perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)

In 2020, Health Canada and the Department of Justice hosted roundtable discussions on medical assistance in dying (MAID). During these discussions, we heard from Indigenous Leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and practitioners about the need to further engage Indigenous communities more broadly around MAID. This online engagement platform is the start of a larger engagement initiative, focused on hearing from diverse Indigenous voices on the topic of MAID. Indigenous-led engagement is a priority of this engagement process, gathering perspectives from First Nations, Inuit and Métis, including urban Indigenous People, non-status and off-reserve Indigenous People, Two-Spirit, LGBTQQIA+ and gender diverse people. Health Canada will also support engagement activities with a series of national knowledge exchange roundtables throughout 2023 and 2024.

The knowledge and learnings shared in all engagement activities will inform a What We Heard report to be completed in 2025 and will help to shape evolving federal policy on MAID, reflecting the importance of Indigenous knowledge and culture.

We are interested in hearing from Indigenous people who wish to share their knowledge about MAID, including people living with serious illness, caregivers, family and friends, health care providers, Indigenous Leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Cultural Carriers, Youth, Indigenous practitioners, and community members.

You can participate by completing the questionnaire, sharing your story or answering the quick poll below. Choose one or all, it’s up to you!

This online tool will be open for responses from August 17, 2023 to June 30, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact ieolc.sfva@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Prior to participating in this engagement, please review the privacy notice for more information on your privacy rights.