Overview / History of the Group
In 2016, during the Year of Mercy, the Supreme Court of Canada ruling regarding euthanasia resulted in legislation brought in called Physician Assisted Death (PAD). Here at ICC, five concerned parishioners formed a committee to discuss ways to address the implications of the Supreme Court decision, end of life care , palliative care etc. It was thought that many people were unaware of the supreme Court ruling and its implications. A decision was made to provide a forum that would inform and educate. A presentation called “A Christian Perspective on Supreme Court Decision on Physician Assisted Death (PAD)” with Sr. Nuala Kenny as the key note speaker, was held on April 14, 2016. The presentation was well received and the desire for further information was expressed. A video copy of this presentation will be posted here, once available.
This webpage and a Flocknote group have been created to keep you informed. To receive emails or for other inquiries, contact the chairperson: Eleanor MacDougall iccwecareapps@gmail.com
Relevant Links and Resources
Caregivers Nova Scotia: in 2016 a new initiative supporting caregivers who will be providing palliative care at home was implemented: http://caregiversns.org/how-we-help/ctc/
Feb. 26, 2016: a letter from Archbishop Mancini called “Response to Medical Assistance in Dying”.
A Salt and Light Series called Every Life Matters Easter Series:
Every Life Matters Easter Series is comprised of five sessions held by Archbishop Richard Smith of the Edmonton diocese during the 2016 Easter season. The sessions, each approximately 2 hours in length, consist of informative expert talks and powerful witness talks; followed by enlightening catechesis addressing issues raised and finish with a question & answer period.
Session 1: What’s it all about? Focus: legality & palliative care.
Session 2: What’s wrong with assisted suicide and euthanasia? A young mother with debilitating pain gives a personal witness & Dr. Anna Voeuk, calls for improved access to palliative care.
Session 3: It’s my body, my choice. A hospital chaplain speaks of a family whose loved one requested euthanasia, & Dr. Robert Hauptman, a speaks about pain management.
Session 4: I don’t want to suffer. A couple shares how their disabled daughter has been a blessing & Dr. Anna Voeuk speaks on caring for the caregivers & families.
Session 5: What must we do? How are we called to respond to this new situation? A personal witness from someone who came close to losing the will to live, & Dr. Anna Voeuk calls us to defend the conscience rights of health professionals.
Archbishop Smith’s Summary
What does it all mean?
What must we do? (the question that naturally comes out from being educated)
As always, it involves an examination of conscience, consider these four points:
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Be Catholic. (40% of all Canadians identify themselves as Catholic. Means, be a disciple & uphold the dignity of all life)
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Be informed.
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Be vocal (not in your face attitude but engage in conversation with family, friends & coworkers)
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Be inoculated (who are we listening to? and why?)
On the weekend of June 5th & 6th, 2016, the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth released two articles:
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Archdiocese Halifax – Yarmouth
Archdiocese Halifax-Yarmouth News Service
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops