Welcome to Inside Policy Talks, the flagship video podcast of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.
In this extended episode, Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of MLI’s Domestic Policy Program, continues his conversation with Senior Fellow Dr. Ramona Coelho, a family physician from London, Ontario, whose practice largely serves marginalized communities. This longer format offers deeper insights into Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program.
Together, they explore:
- The history of MAiD in Canada, from its initial legislative framework to the current expanded regime;
The criteria and terminology for MAiD eligibility, examining issues like vagueness, lack of medical grounding, and risks of abuse; - Dr. Coelho’s work with Ontario’s MAiD Death Review Committee, including disturbing findings that reveal systemic challenges faced by marginalized groups;
- The philosophical underpinnings of MAiD, including assumptions about the value of human life, assumptions about autonomy, the negative view of suffering, and the fear of dependence and being a burden;
- The positive value of suffering and growing closer to one another through times of challenge, highlighting the benefits of giving and receiving care, and the need for robust palliative and other health and social supports.
Dr. Coelho strongly argues that MAiD must not become a solution to societal neglect, contending that Canada’s regime lacks critical safeguards.
If you found the initial conversation valuable, this extended episode takes an even deeper look at this complex and vital issue.
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