Our communication this week won’t provide you with a standard press review due to the limited number of articles, but we have several relevant pieces of information to share with you during this National Caregiver Awareness Week (November 5-11, 2023).
First, let’s acknowledge the tools prepared by Proche aidance Québec, reminding us that ” in Quebec, nearly one (1) person in four (4) provides support to a member of his or her family who has a temporary or permanent disability. These caregivers make an essential contribution to our collective well-being and they deserve that, collectively, we give them the boost of humanity they need.
(Source: https://procheaidance.quebec/en/national-caregivers-week-2023/ )
Thank you to all family caregivers for your concrete contribution to the dignity of your loved ones. The web series “Je suis là” (I am there) pays a
beautiful tribute to them, which you can discover below.
Wishingyou a great start to the month of November,
Jasmin Lemieux-Lefebvre
Coordinator
Living with Dignity citizen network
Video Series: Je suis là
As presented on the website of L’Appui for family caregivers (our translation):
I am there: Life moments shared by family caregivers. People available for one of their own, in the simplicity of everyday life as well as in exceptional
moments. Here are some slices of life from family caregivers.
To view the playlist for this series (in French) and watch the 3m23s episode
“Vague de souvenirs – Valérie Blais and her mom“, please see below.
The Globe Editorial: "It's Time to Step Back from Assisted Death"
The editorial team at The Globe and Mail published an editorial yesterday (behind a paywall), and we want to share an excerpt with you:
Ottawa must withdraw its amendments that include mental illness in the MAiD law. There are too many uncertainties, especially the inability to determine who truly has an irremediable mental illness and who will recover with enough time, treatment, and hope.
After a similar editorial in the Toronto Star last week, when can we expect such an editorial in a Quebec newspaper?
Reflections on MAID by Cardus and Le Verbe Médias
We encourage voices from the public to speak out. Here are two reflections from groups with Christian roots:
Cardus, in The Hub: Palliative care was supposed to be a “safeguard” for MAiD. Instead, it has become a collateral victim.
Le Verbe Médias, in Les Verbomoteurs (in French): How can we explain the dramatic increase in euthanasia in Quebec?
https://youtu.be/8lezH_TC3BU?si=9LEnql8yR27cJInI
Debate on MAID for Mental Illness
For the 30th Edith and John Hans Low-Beer Memorial Conference, AMI-Québec hosted a debate on access to medical assistance in dying for people whose sole medical issue is a mental disorder.
Here is a very informative 1-hour and 45-minute discussion moderated by
Nantali Indongo (CBC host), with psychiatrists Dr. Sonu Gaind and Dr. Derryck Smith, as well as Alicia Raimondu and Chris Summerville, both living with mental health challenges.
A big thank you to Dr. Gaind for his remarkable eloquence throughout the debate (also quoted in this article published in the National Post on November 6).
NOV
2023