Help Not Harm Campaign

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace be with you!

“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people” (John 1:4)

As we journey through this Easter season, we are reminded in a profound way that the life revealed in Jesus Christ—through His death on the cross and His resurrection—is a light that no darkness can overcome. In this light, we bear witness to the sanctity of every human life, a cornerstone of our Catholic faith, especially in our care for those who are most vulnerable.

I stand together with Cardinal Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, in my deep concern with the rapid expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada. In his recent letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, he noted that, “euthanasia and assisted suicide are indeed contrary to the dignity of the human person.” I join him and many Canadians who are troubled by the expansion and development of MAiD, especially in its impact on vulnerable individuals who may seek assisted death during moments of suffering, isolation or hopelessness.

In response to these concerns, legislation currently before parliament—Bill C-218, the Right to Recover Act—seeks to restrict the expansion of MAiD for those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. This moment invites careful reflection on how we, as a society, are called to care for those who are suffering; not by expediting death, but by providing compassionate accompaniment and hope.

The Archdiocese of Toronto has launched a national initiative entitled “Help Not Harm” to raise awareness about these important issues and to encourage respectful engagement with Members of Parliament. Through this campaign, you are able to contact your Member of Parliament in support of Bill C-218 through the HelpNotHarmCanada.ca website. I encourage you to participate in this initiative in the spirit of charity, and concern for the common good.

We must continue to build a society that chooses life, accompanies those most in need, and reflects the compassion of Christ.

Entrusting you to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Joseph Dabrowski

Most Reverend Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA
Bishop of Hamilton