04/09/2026
Thursday Nurse Barb Tip
Today’s NBT will be a bit more serious.
In 2016, Canada legalized the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program. The goal of the program is to provide dignity in death for those suffering from an end-stage, terminal illness. It supports patient autonomy while ensuring the vulnerable are protected.
Contrary to some Facebook posts I have seen from our neighbors to the south, the criteria for admission to the program are strictly adhered to. If you are accepted into the program, the time between acceptance and delivery of service typically ranges from 3 to 6 months.
A few of the eligibility criteria are:
🔹Be 18 years of age or older and eligible for government-funded healthcare
🔹Have a grievous and irremediable medical condition causing intolerable suffering that is not relieved by conditions acceptable to the patient
🔹Be capable of giving voluntary consent, able to make informed decisions, and must not be subject to external pressure
🔹Two healthcare professionals, independent of each other, must assess and confirm eligibility
🔹Consent can be revoked at any time, and there is no limit on how often MAiD can be requested
MAiD can be provided in almost any setting of the client’s choosing, from hospital settings to home. There are, however, a few religious-based institutions that will not allow delivery of MAiD services on their premises.
As a nurse, and as the daughter of a parent who chose the MAiD program, I can say that, in my opinion, this program has been a long time coming. No, it is not for everyone, but for those who choose to use it, its value is beyond measure.
Death is a part of life, but having the option of a death of your own choosing, one of dignity, and freeing someone from daily suffering… that is a gift in itself.
If you would like to know more, come on in and we can have a chat.
Take care, Portage.
Nurse Barb xo
