A Shocking Expansion: Canada’s MAID Program Now Includes Minors

In an unprecedented move, Canada has extended its Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program to include children and teenagers. A report submitted by a Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying in February 2023 suggests that the government is considering allowing “mature minors” to access euthanasia services without parental consent. This raises significant ethical concerns and has sparked intense debates across the nation.

Understanding "Mature Minors"

In Canadian common law, a “mature minor” is defined as someone under 18 who is deemed capable of making informed healthcare decisions. However, the assessment of maturity is subjective and varies case by case, leaving room for potential abuse of this policy. Under current guidelines, healthcare providers can determine whether a minor is mature enough to make their own healthcare decisions, effectively giving them the power to override parental authority.

Depressing Approaches to Grief

In what can only be viewed as a controversial initiative, the Canadian government has released a coloring book aimed at helping children process the potential loss of loved ones through medically assisted suicide. Titled “Me and My Illness,” this book encourages children to confront their pain and feelings of isolation related to their illnesses.

The book takes a deeply unsettling turn when it introduces a “decision-making toolkit.” Among its content are prompts like: “If you were to die, how would you like people to remember or celebrate you?” Such phrases can foster unhealthy mindsets in young impressionable children.

Fast-Tracking MAID Access

A flyer that has begun circulating in Canada promotes MAID for minors without parental consent, highlighting the fact that while one in ten people may wait over four months for counseling, the waiting period for accessing MAID is a mere three months. This alarming statistic has raised eyebrows and led many to question the moral implications of hastening decisions about life and death.

A Slippery Slope

The Canadian government is not only expanding eligibility for MAID to minors but is also implementing policies that allow for euthanasia based on mental health conditions considered treatable or for individuals deemed “too poor to live with dignity.” Critics argue that these measures echo chilling historical precedents and demonstrate a startling disregard for the sanctity of life.

Canada’s response to these unforeseen challenges raises critical questions, including: If parents have no say in their children’s most consequential choices, allowing the state to intervene strikes at the heart of family values and personal freedom.

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance

Mark Carney’s administration appears to be closely aligned with the ideologies propagated by organizations like the World Economic Forum, furthering a narrative that minimizes the value of human life. It’s imperative for all Canadians—and indeed all people worldwide—to remain vigilant and informed about such policies. The approach taken toward minors and healthcare decision-making could fundamentally reshape societal norms around life, death, and parental rights.

At Extreme Investor Network, we advocate for thorough scrutiny and dialogue on such critical issues. Stay informed, engage in discussions, and let your voice be heard. We must ensure that such drastic measures do not become normalized in our society.