Catholic Bishops of Canada Urge All People to Reject Euthanasia or MAID and Call for Authentic Palliative Care - CCCB
The Standing Committee for Family and Life of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), with authorization from the Permanent Council, has issued a statement marking the 10th anniversary of Bill C-14, the legislation that legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada under the term “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAID”) on 17 June, 2016.
In its statement, the CCCB reiterates its opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide, while calling for renewed commitment to authentic palliative care across the country. The statement also summarizes key statistics and raises concerns about the continued expansion of “MAID” legislation and its impact on vulnerable Canadians.
The CCCB’s Standing Committee for Family and Life is supported by the Office for Family and Life, which furthers the work of the Bishops of Canada by supporting dioceses and eparchies in the pastoral care of families and in promoting a culture that welcomes and protects life from conception to natural death.
Statement Voicing Concern and Calling for Prayers on the 10th Anniversary of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (“MAID”)
Wednesday, June 10 2026
A decade has passed since Bill C-14 received Royal Assent on 17 June 2016, legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide across Canada, and permitting eligible adults, under specified conditions, to access what is legally termed “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAID”). As we mark this sobering anniversary, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) Standing Committee for Family and Life invites the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to voice renewed concern about “MAID,” to remain steadfast in opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide, to pray for the conversion of hearts and minds away from this practice, and to be present to persons who are sick and vulnerable.
Canada now has “the world’s largest and fastest-growing euthanasia program.”[1] The percentage of “MAID” deaths is increasing annually and accounts for 5.1% of all deaths in 2024 (or 16,499 Canadians).[2] Since its legalization, an estimated 100,000 Canadians have died by euthanasia or assisted suicide.[3] Grave concern is warranted regarding the continued expansion of the eligibility criteria for “MAID,” which puts increasing numbers of Canadians at risk. In 2016, only individuals whose death was “reasonably foreseeable” were eligible for “MAID” with so-called “safeguards” in place. Subsequent legislation in 2021, however, considerably broadened the criteria, expanding access to include those whose death is not reasonably foreseeable, but whose condition is “grievous and irremediable.”[4]
On this occasion, we reject complacency with the status quo on euthanasia in Canada. Formed by the Gospel, we are called to draw near to those who suffer: not to ignore, trivialize, or abandon them in their pain or despair, but to accompany them with compassion, practical care, and hope (cf. Lk 10:30-37). We actively seek opportunities for effective, collaborative strategies to provide concrete and compassionate support to those living with serious physical or mental illness, those with disabilities, and those nearing the end of life, as well as their families and caregivers.
As disciples of Christ, we affirm that every human life is a gift, holds profound dignity and value, and is part of a human community (cf. Mt 25:31-46). In contrast, euthanasia and assisted suicide, whatever their motives or means, consist in intentionally causing or hastening the death of a person who is sick, suffering, disabled, or dying in order to eliminate suffering. Such acts can never be morally acceptable, for they are gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to God, the Creator and Lord of life.[5] True compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, palliative care, and relief of pain. Together with healthcare professionals, patients, and families, our faith teaches that we must strive for proportionate treatment options that neither unduly prolong nor intentionally hasten death, but instead offer life-affirming and compassionate care.
On this 10th anniversary, we pray for all those whose lives have been lost to “MAID.” We also pray for their loved ones, many of whom continue to carry grief, confusion, regret, or unanswered questions. We remember those who continue to suffer: the sick, persons with disabilities, the elderly, those living with mental illness, those nearing the end of life, and all who experience loneliness, fear, or despair. We renew our call to “give witness at the side of the sick person and to become a ‘healing community’ in order to actualize concretely the desire of Jesus that, beginning with the most weak and vulnerable, all may be one flesh.”[6] Even in suffering, illness, dependence, and frailty, human life retains its God-given dignity and capacity for love, communion, and grace.
We give thanks to the many dioceses, eparchies, parishes, organizations, healthcare workers, families, and volunteers who, over the past 10 years, have promoted Christian hope in the face of illness and death and have resisted “MAID” with courage and compassion. Their witness reminds us that defending life is not only a public teaching, but also a daily work of presence: visiting the sick, supporting caregivers, accompanying those in despair, advocating for the vulnerable, and helping build communities where no one feels they must face suffering alone.
In this moment of sober reflection, prayer, and renewed responsibility, we call the Catholic faithful to pray for those who are sick, suffering, isolated, or nearing the end of life; for their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals; and for the conversion of hearts and minds toward a culture that receives every life as a gift and never abandons those most in need. The resources below reflect the Church in Canada’s ongoing commitment to building compassionate communities, promoting authentic palliative care, and providing practical support to all who suffer.[7] May the Church in Canada continue to be a place where people, especially the sick, elderly, disabled, suffering, and dying, are received with love, accompanied with compassion, and reminded that their life remains precious in the eyes of God.
Issued with the approval of the Permanent Council
10 June 2026
PRAYER
In communion with our Lord, the Great Physician,
let us offer together a prayer of hope, compassion, and vision
towards the promise of everlasting love and life:
Loving God, rock of strength for those
who trust in you; comforter of those who call on you.
Hear the cry of those who suffer
from sickness or weakness, and embrace them
in your loving arms.
Give them peace, and strengthen them
with the vision of your kingdom.
We make this prayer through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Prayer for the Chronically Ill” excerpted from Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family @ Concacan Inc., 2004. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, June 10 2026
A decade has passed since Bill C-14 received Royal Assent on 17 June 2016, legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide across Canada, and permitting eligible adults, under specified conditions, to access what is legally termed “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAID”). As we mark this sobering anniversary, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) Standing Committee for Family and Life invites the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to voice renewed concern about “MAID,” to remain steadfast in opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide, to pray for the conversion of hearts and minds away from this practice, and to be present to persons who are sick and vulnerable.
Canada now has “the world’s largest and fastest-growing euthanasia program.”[1] The percentage of “MAID” deaths is increasing annually and accounts for 5.1% of all deaths in 2024 (or 16,499 Canadians).[2] Since its legalization, an estimated 100,000 Canadians have died by euthanasia or assisted suicide.[3] Grave concern is warranted regarding the continued expansion of the eligibility criteria for “MAID,” which puts increasing numbers of Canadians at risk. In 2016, only individuals whose death was “reasonably foreseeable” were eligible for “MAID” with so-called “safeguards” in place. Subsequent legislation in 2021, however, considerably broadened the criteria, expanding access to include those whose death is not reasonably foreseeable, but whose condition is “grievous and irremediable.”[4]
On this occasion, we reject complacency with the status quo on euthanasia in Canada. Formed by the Gospel, we are called to draw near to those who suffer: not to ignore, trivialize, or abandon them in their pain or despair, but to accompany them with compassion, practical care, and hope (cf. Lk 10:30-37). We actively seek opportunities for effective, collaborative strategies to provide concrete and compassionate support to those living with serious physical or mental illness, those with disabilities, and those nearing the end of life, as well as their families and caregivers.
As disciples of Christ, we affirm that every human life is a gift, holds profound dignity and value, and is part of a human community (cf. Mt 25:31-46). In contrast, euthanasia and assisted suicide, whatever their motives or means, consist in intentionally causing or hastening the death of a person who is sick, suffering, disabled, or dying in order to eliminate suffering. Such acts can never be morally acceptable, for they are gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to God, the Creator and Lord of life.[5] True compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, palliative care, and relief of pain. Together with healthcare professionals, patients, and families, our faith teaches that we must strive for proportionate treatment options that neither unduly prolong nor intentionally hasten death, but instead offer life-affirming and compassionate care.
On this 10th anniversary, we pray for all those whose lives have been lost to “MAID.” We also pray for their loved ones, many of whom continue to carry grief, confusion, regret, or unanswered questions. We remember those who continue to suffer: the sick, persons with disabilities, the elderly, those living with mental illness, those nearing the end of life, and all who experience loneliness, fear, or despair. We renew our call to “give witness at the side of the sick person and to become a ‘healing community’ in order to actualize concretely the desire of Jesus that, beginning with the most weak and vulnerable, all may be one flesh.”[6] Even in suffering, illness, dependence, and frailty, human life retains its God-given dignity and capacity for love, communion, and grace.
We give thanks to the many dioceses, eparchies, parishes, organizations, healthcare workers, families, and volunteers who, over the past 10 years, have promoted Christian hope in the face of illness and death and have resisted “MAID” with courage and compassion. Their witness reminds us that defending life is not only a public teaching, but also a daily work of presence: visiting the sick, supporting caregivers, accompanying those in despair, advocating for the vulnerable, and helping build communities where no one feels they must face suffering alone.
In this moment of sober reflection, prayer, and renewed responsibility, we call the Catholic faithful to pray for those who are sick, suffering, isolated, or nearing the end of life; for their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals; and for the conversion of hearts and minds toward a culture that receives every life as a gift and never abandons those most in need. The resources below reflect the Church in Canada’s ongoing commitment to building compassionate communities, promoting authentic palliative care, and providing practical support to all who suffer.[7] May the Church in Canada continue to be a place where people, especially the sick, elderly, disabled, suffering, and dying, are received with love, accompanied with compassion, and reminded that their life remains precious in the eyes of God.
Issued with the approval of the Permanent Council
10 June 2026
PRAYER
In communion with our Lord, the Great Physician,
let us offer together a prayer of hope, compassion, and vision
towards the promise of everlasting love and life:
Loving God, rock of strength for those
who trust in you; comforter of those who call on you.
Hear the cry of those who suffer
from sickness or weakness, and embrace them
in your loving arms.
Give them peace, and strengthen them
with the vision of your kingdom.
We make this prayer through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Prayer for the Chronically Ill” excerpted from Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family @ Concacan Inc., 2004. All rights reserved.
Source: https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/canadian-bishops-mark-10th-anniversary-of-bill-c-14-with-statement-on-human-dignity-maid-and-palliative-care/
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