See our most recent statement on MAiD – Dec 14, 2022
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is quite saddened and disappointed by recent developments surrounding Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Medical Assistance in Dying). As an official witness to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs hearings on Bill C-7
in late November, CASP’s Executive Director, Sean Krausert, encouraged legislators to ensure that MAiD does not overlap with what is traditionally understood as suicide and continues to protect those suffering from mental illness from a medically assisted pre-mature death that could be avoided by adequate treatment and care.
In 2020, after a literature review, CASP formulated its Statement on the Expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying to those without Reasonably Foreseeable Death, which can be found here.
During its’ recent review, the Senate recommended the exclusion for mental illness be removed and suggested an 18-month limit for the exclusion be imposed, while details were worked out.
While CASP maintains that mental illness can be grievous but is never irremediable (as required for MAID eligibility in Canada), we appreciate that the federal government has responded with a two-year exclusion limit on MAiD for mental illness; and will be forming a panel of qualified experts to bring recommendations forward in a year to ensure proper protective measures are in place for those with mental illness seeking MAiD.
As mental health advocates, CASP wants to ensure those suffering from mental illness are treated by medical means and not through assisted dying. CASP feels strongly that extreme caution needs to be taken with MAiD and a thought-out, failproof, measured system of safeguards needs to be in place so that those most vulnerable will be protected in order that MAiD does not become doctor-assisted suicide.
Resources
article
CASP calls upon the Government of Canada to act on their pledge
pdf
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12
pdf
A high-level overview of what to consider when using suicide risk assessment tools
pdf
A summary of tools and supports to help cope with suicide loss
pdf
This is a guide to preventing suicide in your community. The guide will walk you through creating a community suicide prevention plan.
article
Sharing the Story of the Promoting Life Together Collaborative
pdf
The four steps in Suicide Prevention and universal responsibilities of the community, healthcare, and government.
pdf
Tools. strategies, and resources to help cope with thoughts of suicide
pdf
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that asks: “What happened to you?”
pdf
Learn more about who is at risk of intentional injury
pdf
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
See our most recent statement on MAiD – Dec 14, 2022
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is quite saddened and disappointed by recent developments surrounding Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Medical Assistance in Dying). As an official witness to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs hearings on Bill C-7
in late November, CASP’s Executive Director, Sean Krausert, encouraged legislators to ensure that MAiD does not overlap with what is traditionally understood as suicide and continues to protect those suffering from mental illness from a medically assisted pre-mature death that could be avoided by adequate treatment and care.
In 2020, after a literature review, CASP formulated its Statement on the Expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying to those without Reasonably Foreseeable Death, which can be found here.
During its’ recent review, the Senate recommended the exclusion for mental illness be removed and suggested an 18-month limit for the exclusion be imposed, while details were worked out.
While CASP maintains that mental illness can be grievous but is never irremediable (as required for MAID eligibility in Canada), we appreciate that the federal government has responded with a two-year exclusion limit on MAiD for mental illness; and will be forming a panel of qualified experts to bring recommendations forward in a year to ensure proper protective measures are in place for those with mental illness seeking MAiD.
As mental health advocates, CASP wants to ensure those suffering from mental illness are treated by medical means and not through assisted dying. CASP feels strongly that extreme caution needs to be taken with MAiD and a thought-out, failproof, measured system of safeguards needs to be in place so that those most vulnerable will be protected in order that MAiD does not become doctor-assisted suicide.
Resources
CASP Urges Canadian Government to Ensure all Indigenous Peoples Have Human Rights Met
CASP calls upon the Government of Canada to act on their pledge
Talking to Children About A Suicide
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12
Suicide Risk Assessment Kit
A high-level overview of what to consider when using suicide risk assessment tools
Toolkit for People Impacted by a Suicide Loss
A summary of tools and supports to help cope with suicide loss
Together to Live
This is a guide to preventing suicide in your community. The guide will walk you through creating a community suicide prevention plan.
The Promoting Life Together Collaborative
Sharing the Story of the Promoting Life Together Collaborative
Suicide is Everyone’s Business
The four steps in Suicide Prevention and universal responsibilities of the community, healthcare, and government.
Toolkit for People Impacted by a Suicide Attempt
Tools. strategies, and resources to help cope with thoughts of suicide
Trauma-informed Care and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that asks: “What happened to you?”
Injury Prevention and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Learn more about who is at risk of intentional injury
Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
Related Information
CASP Issues Statement About MAiD for Mental Illness
Statement on the Expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying to those without a Reasonably Foreseeable Death
CASP Strongly Believes Canada Needs A National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Statement on proposed 3-digit suicide prevention hotline
WSPD 2020 – Webinar Sessions
CASP urges Canadian Government to ensure all Indigenous peoples have human rights met