The Unique Role and Contribution of Peer Supporters to MAiD in Canada: Lessons Learned from a National Discussion Series

Authors

  • Lee de Bie St. Joseph’s Health System; The Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton; McMaster Education Research, Innovation and Theory (MERIT) Program, McMaster University; School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9364-9487
  • Allison Dunning School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton; Peer Support Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8753-9745
  • Allyson Theodorou PeerWorks, Toronto, Ontario, Canada https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5599-3361
  • Christina Sinding School of Social Work, McMaster University; Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6025-7989
  • Lisa Hawke Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1108-9453

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7202/1121338ar

Keywords:

medical assistance in dying, MAiD, peer support, consumer/survivor/ex-patient movement, self-determination, suicide

Language(s):

English

Abstract

This paper describes lessons learned from a 2024-2025 national discussion series. Peer supporters from across the country came together virtually to discuss the special and important role they play in conversations, care, and policy related to medical assistance in dying (MAiD), building on unique values, standpoints, lived experiences, and ways of being in relationship that are distinct from those of regulated health professionals and informal support networks. We recommend that people exploring MAiD should be offered — and have access to — peer support, if desired, and that peer support programs be properly resourced to provide authentic emotional and love labour that honours a peer support vision for self-determination.

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(c) Han Han Li

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Published

2025-11-03

How to Cite

[1]
de Bie L, Dunning A, Theodorou A, Sinding C, Hawke L. The Unique Role and Contribution of Peer Supporters to MAiD in Canada: Lessons Learned from a National Discussion Series. Can. J. Bioeth 2025;8:78-87. https://doi.org/10.7202/1121338ar.

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2025): MAiD in Canada: A Sober Second Look

Section

Perspectives

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Lee de Bie, Allison Dunning, Allyson Theodorou, Christina Sinding, Lisa Hawke

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