A Submission from the Catholic Bishops of Alberta/NWT To the Alberta Government’s consultation on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

Photo credit: Archdiocese of Edmonton

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​Background: Since the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was first proposed in Canada, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories have been steadfast in expressing their opposition to all forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide proposed under the law. MAiD is not an acceptable end-of-life option. Rather, increased investment should be made in excellent palliative care. 
To note: 

• 11 February 2016: Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Alberta on Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia 
• 10 May 2018: Message to the Faithful Participating in the March for Life 
• 29 October 2020: Letter to the Faithful on the Tabling of Bills C-7 and C-6 

Furthermore, the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories align themselves entirely to the many position statements issued on these matters over the past decade under the auspices of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. [See: Statements by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.] 

Of particular note, please reference the inadmissibility of either euthanasia or assisted suicide in any healthcare organization with a Catholic identity: 

• 30 November 2023: Statement by the CCCB on the Non-Permissibility of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide within Canadian Health Organizations with a Catholic Identity 

The position of the Bishops remains unequivocal. Contrary to Church teaching, euthanasia and assisted suicide: 

• constitute the deliberate killing of human life; 
• erode a shared human dignity by failing to see, accept, and accompany those suffering and dying; 
• undermine the fundamental human duty to take care of the weakest and most vulnerable members of society; 
• have far-reaching consequences for how we as a society understand health care, the human person, and the common good; 
• have harmful effects especially on persons living with disabilities or chronic illness. 
  
  

The legal expansion of eligibility for MAiD, including by means of advance euthanasia requests, will only serve further to erode respect for the essential dignity of the human person and the common good of society. A fair and just society must be committed to protecting and safeguarding vulnerable individuals and those without a voice. We strongly encourage the continued investment in care for society’s most vulnerable individuals, particularly those struggling with mental health and those near the end of their life.

Catholic Bishops of Alberta and NWT Most Reverend

Most Reverend Richard W. Smith 
Archbishop of Edmonton

Most Reverend William McGrattan 
Bishop of Calgary

Most Reverend Gary Franken 
Bishop of St. Paul

Most Reverend Gerard Pettipas
Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan
​
Most Reverend David Motiuk 
Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Edmonton

Most Reverend Jon Hansen, CSsR 
Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith

​December 12, 2025