MAiD Phone Scripts
Bill C-41 is expected to go to a vote soon. Please call your own MP and Liberal MPs, and ask them to add a sunset clause to the advance request portion of C-41 at committee. Use any of the scripts below.
Tips for callers: Be kind and brief, and always give your name. If a staffer answers, it's fine to ask them to pass the message on.
SCRIPT 1: Calling your own MP
"Hi, my name is ______, and I'm calling about Bill C-41.
I'm glad the bill reverses the expansion of MAID for people with mental illness. But I'm deeply concerned about allowing advance requests for MAID without final consent. A person could be given MAID without knowing it's happening, and there's no duty to tell their family.
I'm asking [MP's name] to support adding a sunset clause to the advance request part of C-41 when it goes to committee, so it can be studied further before it takes effect.
Can you tell me where [MP's name] stands on this? Thank you for your time."
SCRIPT 2: Calling a Liberal MP
"Hi, my name is ______, and I'm calling about Bill C-41. This issue matters to Canadians everywhere.
I want to thank the government for reversing the expansion of MAID for the mentally ill. That's a good step.
I'm concerned, though, about advance requests for MAID without final consent, especially for people with dementia, who are often sedated beforehand. This opens the door to elder abuse.
Would [MP's name] please support a sunset clause on the advance request portion of C-41 at committee? That lets the good part of the bill pass while giving time for more study. Thank you."
SCRIPT 3: Calling a Liberal MP (focus on safeguards)
"Hi, my name is ______, and I'm calling about Bill C-41.
I appreciate that this bill reverses the expansion of MAID for people with mental illness, and I want that part to pass.
My concern is the advance request provision. As written, a doctor could administer MAID at a time they decide, without final consent. The person may not know it's happening, and families don't have to be told. The bill says a doctor must stop if the person resists, but dementia patients are commonly sedated beforehand, so that safeguard may not hold up.
Would [MP's name] please support a sunset clause on the advance request portion at committee? That gives experts time to weigh in before it takes effect. Thank you for passing this along."
SCRIPT 4: Short voicemail (30 seconds)
"Hi, my name is ______, and my number is ______. I'm calling about Bill C-41.
Please support adding a sunset clause to the advance request portion of the bill at committee. Advance requests without final consent put vulnerable Canadians, especially seniors with dementia, at risk.
I'm grateful the bill reverses MAID expansion for the mentally ill, but this part needs more study. Thank you."