An advance request involves a competent person making a written request for medical assistance in dying (MAID) that could be honoured later, after they lose the capacity to make medical decisions for themselves. This is currently not included in the legislation and this means that Canadians are forced to make an impossible choice: die earlier than they want to in order to ensure they have capacity to consent – giving up time with their loved ones, OR risk losing capacity and be forced to live in a situation they would find intolerable.

The Province of Quebec has become the first jurisdiction in Canada to allow advance requests, effective October 30, 2024. This means there is a discrepancy between Quebec and federal MAID laws, and the options that people in Quebec have at the end of life vs the rest of Canada.

Hosted by the Chapter Chair of Edmonton Dying With Dignity, our speakers include a Chaplain who works with dementia patients in long term care, the spouse of a person with advanced Alzheimer's Disease, and a Lawyer who specializes in health law.