Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Support Services
End of Life Care / Palliative Care
Provided by Dying with Dignity Canada (DWDC)
Provides residents of Metro Vancouver with information and resources on end-of-life issues including medical assistance in dying (MAID), Advance Care Planning, and patient rights.
The Metro Vancouver Chapter of Dying with Dignity Canada (DWDC) offers resources and services in support of end-of-life choice, including presentations to community groups, trained volunteer witnesses (to satisfy the legal requirement of one Independent Witness for each MAID request), and information about barriers to access and practical ways of advocating for increased end-of-life choice in your community. Services provided include:
Independent Witnessing:
The current legislation requires all Canadians requesting medical assistance in dying (MAID) to have their written request signed by one Independent Witness (i.e. someone who understands the nature of the request and is not an unpaid caregiver or beneficiary of the individual making the request). Witnessing is currently being conducted virtually due to COVID restrictions. For witness requests, contact vancouver.witness@dyingwithdignity.ca
The current legislation requires all Canadians requesting medical assistance in dying (MAID) to have their written request signed by one Independent Witness (i.e. someone who understands the nature of the request and is not an unpaid caregiver or beneficiary of the individual making the request). Witnessing is currently being conducted virtually due to COVID restrictions. For witness requests, contact vancouver.witness@dyingwithdignity.ca
Community Education:
DWDC Metro Vancouver has presentations available on two end-of-life topics: MAID (including its history, eligibility, and the limitations of the current legislation) and Advance Care Planning (this presentation will explain the purpose and benefits of an Advance Care Plan, how to begin this process, and how to select a Substitute Decision-Maker).
DWDC Metro Vancouver has presentations available on two end-of-life topics: MAID (including its history, eligibility, and the limitations of the current legislation) and Advance Care Planning (this presentation will explain the purpose and benefits of an Advance Care Plan, how to begin this process, and how to select a Substitute Decision-Maker).
Information sessions are free and can be tailored to address the specific concerns of each group. Each session lasts approximately 40–45 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for a Q&A, but can be shortened to accommodate the group’s interests and timeline. These sessions are currently being conducted via Zoom, but the Chapter hopes to offer in-person sessions once COVID restrictions are lifted.
To request a presentation for a specific local group, or to suggest a group that may be interested, email Alex Muir, Metro Vancouver Chapter Chair, at vancouver@dyingwithdignity.ca
Website: https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/about...
Independent Witnessing
Public email: vancouver.witness@dyingwithdignity.ca
Community Education
Public email: vancouver@dyingwithdignity.ca
Cost: No cost
Availability
Service area: Province-wide + show cities
Service Types Provided
Ways to Access
- Provided 1:1 in-person
- Provided at multiple locations
- Provided in a group in-person
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.