SASKATOON, Sask. (CCN) — The upcoming expansion of medically-provided death (known as Medical Assistance in Dying or “MAiD”) in 2027 will include mental illness as a sole underlying condition qualifying a patient for euthanasia/assisted suicide.
It’s a significant change, and one that raises important questions many of us haven’t yet had the opportunity to fully understand or discuss.
This May, communities across Saskatchewan are being invited into a thoughtful conversation on MAiD and what this expansion could mean.
One thing continues to stand out. Behind the policies and headlines are real people, real experiences, and often, real gaps in support.
Across Canada, over eight million people live with a disability, and nearly half report at least one unmet healthcare need. In Saskatchewan, that number is even higher, with close to 30% of people identifying as having a disability.
Many of the most commonly-reported reasons for requesting medically-provided death are not only physical. They include things like isolation, loneliness, and the feeling of being a burden.
These are deeply human experiences.
They invite us to pause and ask a deeper question: What does it look like to truly support someone in moments of vulnerability? Should death be considered a treatment option?
This is the kind of conversation that the organizers of the “Hope Does Not Expire” speaking tour are hoping to create space for across Saskatchewan.
Throughout the tour, Deacon Larry Worthen will share insights from his work with physicians and healthcare teams across Canada, along with real-world perspectives on how medically-provided euthanasia (“MAiD”) is evolving, and what it means for individuals, families, and communities.
Each evening is designed to be accessible and welcoming, with time to listen, learn, and ask questions.
Join the conversation across Saskatchewan:
- May 11 — Saskatoon, 7 p.m. location to be announced
- May 12 — Prince Albert, 7 p.m. at Plaza 88
- May 13 — Yorkton, 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre
- May 14 — Weyburn, 7 p.m. at McKenna Hall
- May 15 — Moose Jaw, 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Apostalic Church
- May 16 — Regina, 1 p.m. at Resurrection Parish (also live-streamed – RSVP for the link.)
(The speaking tour is a free public information event, open to everyone. Registration is encouraged, but no required.)
Guest speaker Deacon Larry Worthen is one of Canada’s leading voices on healthcare ethics, conscience rights, and medically-provided death (“MAiD”). Since 2012, Worthen has served as Executive Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada (CMDA), an ecumenical organization representing more than 1,600 Christian physicians and dentists across Canada. The association exists to help healthcare professionals integrate the gospel and professional practice.
A graduate of Dalhousie Law School in Nova Scotia, Worthen’s career has also included leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector and service with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice. He is also a trained facilitator, adult educator, and mediator, and an ordained deacon in the Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.
“Hope Does Not Expire” speaking tour is co-sponsored by the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada, the Archdiocese of Regina, Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association, the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus, and Campaign Life Coalition.
