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Canadian Medical Association
Canadian Medical Association

Physician Changemakers

Dr. Matt Kutcher

“I don’t think MAiD should be something that we whisper about or something that we hide anymore. I think the more we speak about it and normalize it, the better.”

Dr. Matt Kutcher's full story

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CMA activity and submissions

2020

November 23, 2020

CMA Senate appearance on Bill C-7, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)

In his remarks, CMA Past President Dr. Sandy Buchman stresses that legislation must respect the choice of Canadians eligible for medical assistance in dying, the rights of vulnerable Canadians, including through appropriate safeguards, and the moral commitments of practitioners.
2018

February 13, 2018

Federal monitoring of medical assistance in dying regulations

The CMA provides input to Health Canada on its proposed regulations for the federal monitoring of medical assistance in dying in Canada, supporting the intent and highlighting areas for consideration, including the need for clear definitions and reasons for ineligibility
2017

May 27, 2017

Medical assistance in dying

The CMA’s medical assistance in dying policy calls for balance between respecting the autonomy of Canadians eligible for access, protecting vulnerable individuals and allowing physicians to adhere to their moral commitments.

May 15, 2017

Federal Monitoring and Reporting Regime for MAID

In a submission to Health Canada, the CMA recommends features of a federal monitoring and reporting regime for medical assistance in dying, including privacy protection and a clear definition of what constitutes a request
2016

December 4, 2016

Principles-based Recommendations for a Canadian Approach to Assisted Dying

Principles-based Recommendations for a Canadian Approach to Assisted Dying is developed after the Supreme Court of Canada rules Criminal Code provisions for voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide are constitutionally invalid

2015

October 19, 2015

CMA formal submission to the Federal External Panel on assisted dying

In its submission to the Federal External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter vs. Canada, the CMA puts forward its position on the forthcoming legislative and regulatory framework to govern assisted dying in Canada, calling for a national, pan-Canadian approach

August 26, 2015

End of life care resolutions adopted at 2015 General Council

At the CMA’s 148th Annual Meeting in Halifax, CMA General Council adopts nine resolutions on end-of-life care — including to advocate for a medical assistance in dying framework for physician participation.

July 1, 2015

A Canadian Approach to Assisted Dying: CMA member dialogue summary report

Members discuss fundamental issues related to the assisted dying framework in a CMA-hosted online dialogue

2014

August 18, 2014

End of life care resolutions adopted at 2014 General Council

At CMA’s 147th Annual Meeting in Ottawa, CMA General Council adopts eight resolutions on end-of-life care — including to support physicians to follow their conscience when deciding whether to provide medical aid in dying

July 27, 2014

Factum of the Intervener, the Canadian Medical Association

The CMA submits an affidavit and factum on medical assistance in dying to the Supreme Court of Canada to support the Court’s judgment in Carter v. Canada, which challenged the provision in the Criminal Code prohibiting assisted suicide

July 1, 2014

End of life care: A National Dialogue. CMA member consultation report

End-of-life care issues including medical assistance in dying and palliative care are the subject of six face-to-face meetings with CMA members and CMA-organized online dialogue sessions

June 1, 2014

End of life care: A National Dialogue

Canadians share their perceptions of euthanasia and physician-assisted dying, palliative care and advance care directives with CMA during CMA’s cross-Canada “town hall” sessions

Tools & Resources

Resource

Joule training: Foundational online module and course in medical assistance in dying

Make sure you’re ready to answer patients’ questions about medical assistance in dying. This comprehensive online module, developed by the CMA and our subsidiary, Joule, provides a solid foundation for challenging conversations.

Tool

Reporting on medical assistance in dying

Starting November 1, 2018, federal regulations require physicians to provide information on requests for, and the provision of, medical assistance in dying. This Health Canada guide provides resources and checklists for reporting.

Related resources

CMA Code of Ethics and Professionalism

The CMA Code of Ethics and Professionalism articulates the ethical and professional commitments and responsibilities of the medical profession. It is founded on and affirms the core values and commitments of the profession and outlines responsibilities related to contemporary medical practice.

Infographic on medical assistance in dying (MAiD)

This infographic, created by the Quebec Medical Association in Nov 2017, helps explain the issue of medical assistance in dying and the specificities of the law in Quebec. Document available in French only.

Quebec Medical Association submission on end of life care, Bill 52

This document outlines the results of a survey of Quebec physicians, conducted by the QMA in 2013, providing an overview of the debate on end of life care and the QMA’s recommendations on the subject. Document available in French only.

Driving meaningful change in health care

Advocating on issues that matter to the profession and their patients

Seniors Care

As Canada’s population ages, wait times and health care costs will continue to climb. We want a national seniors strategy, and investments into more effective and accessible seniors care.

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Palliative Care

High-quality palliative care remains unavailable or inaccessible to many Canadians. The CMA is a longtime advocate for better access to end-of-life care.

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Explore all the issues we're working on 

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