Canadian Bishops Mark 10th Anniversary of Bill C-14 with Statement on Human Dignity, MAID, and Palliative Care
Date posted on June 10, 2026
The Standing Committee for Family and Life of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), with the authorization of the Permanent Council, has released a statement marking the 10th anniversary of Bill C-14, the legislation that legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada under the term “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAID) on June 17, 2016.
In the statement, the CCCB reaffirms its opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide while calling for a renewed commitment to authentic palliative care throughout Canada. The statement also reflects on the past decade of MAID legislation, highlights current statistics, and expresses concern regarding its continued expansion and the impact on vulnerable persons.
The CCCB affirms the profound dignity and value of every human life, emphasizing that true compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, pain relief, and authentic palliative care.
As part of this anniversary, the Standing Committee encourages renewed prayer for the sick, the suffering, the dying, and their families, caregivers, and health care professionals; for those who have died through “MAID” and for their loved ones; and for the conversion of hearts and minds toward a culture that receives every life as a gift and never abandons those most in need.
The full statement, along with a prayer and additional resources, is available below.