Veterans Minister responds to Rebel News viewer about offering MAID to suffering soldiers

The letter appears to be an automated response:

"Thank you for your email, which was forwarded by the office of the Minister of Justice, regarding medical assistance in dying.

Veterans Affairs Canada’s top priority is to provide our nation’s service personnel with the very best care and benefits in recognition of the sacrifices they have made for us. Respect for the dignity of all individuals is one of our core values and is at the heart of everything we do as a department.

As you note, Veterans Affairs Canada recently learned of inappropriate discussions on medical assistance in dying that took place between a departmental employee and Veterans. I take this issue very seriously and deeply regret these unacceptable incidents and the distress they caused. I have directed the Deputy Minister to undertake a full and thorough investigation of the incidents, and steps have been taken to prevent any future occurrence. Veterans Affairs Canada continues to review all available information to ensure the investigation and report are accurate and complete.

So far, the Department’s investigation indicates that the issue is not widespread or systemic. Rather, it appears to be isolated to a single employee, who is no longer with the Department.

Our front-line staff receive ongoing training to equip them to better understand and address the unique challenges faced by our service men and women. A reminder specific to medical assistance in dying has been shared with all staff who work directly with Veterans.

I can confirm that providing information or advice on medical assistance in dying is not and has never been a service provided by the Department. Veterans Affairs Canada’s employees have no role in initiating conversations or offering counsel on this issue. This is a subject for discussion solely between individuals and their healthcare practitioners.

Some of our Veterans, however, have proactively reached out to Veterans Affairs Canada to ask how accessing medical assistance in dying might impact the benefits their survivors are entitled to. Benefits are not impacted.

Again, thank you for writing, and I hope that the information provided is helpful. Your concern for the welfare of our brave servicemen and women is appreciated.

Sincerely

Lawrence MacAulay, PC, MP

To call on the government to offer Canadians the assistance they need to love, not the help they need to die, please visit www.HelpNotHomicide.com.

Sheila Gunn Reid

Chief Reporter

Sheila Gunn Reid is the Alberta Bureau Chief for Rebel News and host of the weekly The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid. She's a mother of three, conservative activist, and the author of best-selling books including Stop Notley.

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