September 1, 2026

Dear Friends:

Thank you to the many donors who enable the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) to do our life-protecting work. The EPC’s work continued throughout the summer; this fall we will be dealing with a number of challenges.

We had a victory on June 17 when the (AMAD) federal euthanasia committee advised the government not to extend euthanasia to mental illness, as a sole criteria.

Dying With Dignity launched the Brosseau court case as an “emergency” appeal in order to get the court to approve euthanasia for mental illness alone. Brosseau was launched around the time that the (AMAD) federal euthanasia committee indicated that it might decide not to allow euthanasia for mental illness alone.

On July 21/22, EPC was in court intervening in the Brosseau case. We intervened because we were concerned that the government may not argue against euthanasia for mental illness in an effective manner. Now we are concerned that Justice Mathen, who heard the Brosseau case, may decide to legislate from the bench and grant death to Brosseau. Whether or not Justice Mathen opposes or agrees with killing Brosseau, the decision will likely be appealed. EPC is committed to intervening at the Ontario Court of Appeal and, if necessary, up to the Supreme Court of Canada. Opposing euthanasia for mental illness as the sole criteria will cost at least $200,000. Please help us today. 

Bill C-218, a bill that will prevent euthanasia for mental illness alone, will be debated as soon as Parliament returns. EPC supports Bill C-218 since its language is straightforward and will clearly prevent the implementation of euthanasia for mental illness alone.

As already stated, we are concerned that Justice Mathen will approve the killing of Brosseau this month. This will change our focus to urging the government to appeal the decision. We expect an appeal. We are also concerned that the Liberal government will tell its MP’s to vote against C-218 as the government may prepare its own legislation. We need you to contact your Member of Parliament and urge them to support Bill C-218.

In August, Alicia Duncan released her book titled, “The Other Side of the Straitjacket,” based on her experience with the euthanasia death of her mother Donna. When Donna died by euthanasia, Alicia searched for understanding. How had a woman struggling with mental health challenges been allowed to die by euthanasia? Alicia and her sister launched a police investigation, the first in Canada. What began as a private heartbreak quickly became a matter of national controversy as Alicia uncovered troubling gaps in the law and exposed a system that prioritizes policy over people, especially those living at the margins. [You can order the book from us by clicking this link.]

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Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director