Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Wonder whether any journalists will ask Premier Eby whether he plans to stop allowing the Catholic Church to dictate what health services British Columbians can access in publicly funded hospitals. Worth asking during election campaign. He should be held accountable at the polls for his position. 000
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Truth and reconciliation cannot be confined to September 30. For those of us in healthcare, part of the work is listening to Indigenous voices, recognizing the limits of our own knowledge, and allowing what we learn to shape the care we provide. Some reflections:maidincanada.substack.comReflections on listening to and learning from Indigenous voicesThis Wednesday was National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. 001
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Important piece of history to add. This didn't have to happen: "The National Blood Safety Council (NBSC) was set up in 1998 by the federal health minister to provide oversight of the blood system in Canada. 1/6 143
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieThe Royal Society of Canada // La Société royale du Canada @src-rsc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026On Monday, September 28, a Russian drone struck the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in central Kyiv as part of a wave of attacks. The Royal Society of Canada firmly condemns this attack on the people of Ukraine and its scientific and cultural institutions. ➡️ Read more: bit.ly/4iVtfTV 044
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieSport Integrity Canada @sportintegritycan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026🎉 The 2026 Sport Integrity Symposium Impact Report is here! Revisit the highlights, insights, and athlete perspectives from the event that brought Canada’s sport community together to advance safe, clean, and fair sport. ➡️ Impact Report: sportintegrity.ca/impact-repor... #SafeCleanFair 001
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 29/09/2026A beautiful compassionate response to Pope Leo. Also note that even the majority of Canadian Catholics don’t agree with the Pope on MAiD. 020
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 29/09/2026"It’s time for Grifols, the private plasma collector, to get its act together or get out of Canada. And it’s well past time for the regulator, Health Canada, to do its job and enforce safety rules more seriously." 100% this. 2199
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Fellow dual citizens living in Canada - get your ballot and vote! youtu.be/ayWiE_gL9mUyoutu.be2026: Time for the MidtermsYouTube video by Hamilton 020
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieLiam McHugh-Russell @xntl.info · 16/09/2026Oh is she concerned? Is she seriously concerned? Does she have serious concerns? 031
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Kiano Vafaeian's story has been told almost exclusively through the lens of media, vocal opposition to MAiD, and family. People cannot fully claim to be honoring him while omitting his account of his life and suffering. Today we share his story, recorded, in his own words.maidincanada.substack.comThe missing voice in a very public storyKiano Vafaeian’s lived experience in his own words 021
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 14/09/2026This is how to write a sensitive, respectful, rigourous decision in a human rights complaint involving discrimination on the basis of gender identity and freedom of religion. www.bchrt.bc.ca/law-library/...bchrt.bc.ca2026 BCHRT 189 - BC Human Rights TribunalHome » Law Library » B.C. Human Rights Tribunal decisions » Recently released decisions » 2026 BCHRT 189 Child Q v. Ajaero (No. 2), 2026 BCHRT 189 Date Issued: September 1, 2026File: CS-005114 IN THE ... 122
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Has anybody heard Marcus Powlowski condemn the mistreatment at Waypoint Centre? Or does protection of individuals with mental illness only count when trying to justify limiting access to MAiD? www.thestar.com/news/investi...thestar.comHer son was 'caged' for 5 years. Video of his life in isolation at this Ontario hospital left her 'absolutely, completely horrified'Jake Gordon is being released from seclusion at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. His mom credits the Star's investigation for the change. 165
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 11/09/2026A new and poignant Heritage Minute youtu.be/wCjsUk7PchIyoutu.beNEW Heritage Minute: Gander and 9/11YouTube video by Historica Canada 011
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMy Death, My Decision @mydeathmydecision.bsky.social · 10/09/2026This is the final chance to save the assisted dying bill. Make your mark on history. @pollytoynbee.bsky.socialtheguardian.comMy plea to MPs: this is the final chance to save the assisted dying bill. Make your mark on history | Polly ToynbeeAny MP not voting for it on Friday will condemn thousands of us to die in agony. The public is hugely in favour too, so do the right thing, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee 094
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 10/09/2026Check out Alberta government restricting access to MAiD saying concerned for people making decisions due to lack of services AND reducing funding for disability supports and services. #hypocrites 142
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 10/09/2026Natural source methane - oh no www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.comClimate ‘feedback loops’ could worsen global warming by 30%, study findsEmissions of planet-heating methane and CO2 from natural sources are worsening the climate crisis, paper says 010
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieLauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 06/09/2026Over 100 members of the House of Lords are urging MPs to send my assisted dying bill back “as quickly as possible” we consider it this Friday. The cross-party list of signatories includes Neil Kinnock, Ruth Davidson, Harriet Harman, David Blunkett, Alf Dubs and David Willetts: buff.ly/HnPVRXTobserver.co.ukWe failed but will do better, say Lords requesting speedy...More than 100 peers are urging MPs to send the bill back to them, citing a ‘filibuster’ by a minority in the Lords that ‘undermined trust’ 34116
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 04/09/2026ca.news.yahoo.com/lawyer-react...ca.news.yahoo.comLawyer reacts to client's denied motion to apply for MAID for mental illnessAn Ontario judge denied an emergency motion that would have allowed Claire Brosseau, who suffers solely from mental illness, to apply for a medically assisted death. But the judge insisted the Attorne... 143
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 04/09/2026I would certainly hope so. If not, that might shift the balance of the "balance of convenience" test re: the interim remedy. Justice Mathen said "not yet" but didn't rule out there being a tipping point. What was in court was "almost done" (AG reply) and "still thinking" (gov't re: March deadline) 010
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Finally a judge will look at the passage of time and timelines will be set that the government lawyers will need to meet. It will still take time to get to trial but at least it won't be interminably indefinite. 221
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 04/09/2026An important finding in the decision today "To the extent that exclusion means that she will persist in a condition that causes her intolerable suffering, the government is implicated in that suffering even though the suffering originates from a pre-existing condition." 141
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Of course this doesn't diminish the pain of those who have been waiting for a glimmer of hope in this process only to be met with an egregiously dysfunctional AMAD Committee and an unconscionably slow-to-respond Attorney General. While they aren't listening, know that we are and will keep fighting. 021
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieSusan Kiddie @susankiddie2.bsky.social · 03/09/2026“Canada is clearly delivering a message. Despite its promise to be a country with equal rights, it is not. It doesn’t value bodily autonomy, or at least not for a certain kind of person, and it appears that I am one."ctvnews.caOntario court denies Toronto woman’s motion to apply for MAID for mental illnessAn Ontario judge has denied a motion that would have allowed a woman who suffers solely from a mental illness to apply for a medically assisted death. 258
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 03/09/2026This explains perfectly what the decision did and did not decide. DID NOT decide whether the exclusion of MI-SUMC is constitutional. DID decide Attorney General needs to stop dragging its heels. 032
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Remember, no individual is required to participate in MAiD. This is about allowing willing providers to provide to patients who meet all the eligibility criteria and procedural safeguards - by definition, they are experiencing enduring and intolerable suffering. 042
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 02/09/2026This is absolutely unacceptable. The hospital is owned and operated by NS Health. It is funded by Nova Scotians. There is no religious mission or mandate. There is no clinical reason to require patients transfer for MAiD for one single day more. www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...saltwire.comServices won't change immediately as Antigonish hospital transitions: Nova Scotia HealthBan on performing medical assistance in dying and abortions at hospital lifts Oct. 1, but that doesn't mean services will begin immediately 042
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieRoberta Metsola @president.europarl.europa.eu · 26/08/2026Pleased that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the @europarl.europa.eu Plenary Session in Strasbourg in September. He will be a guest of honour at the State of the Union debate by @ec.europa.eu President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu, before his formal address to MEPs 🇪🇺🇨🇦 1015938
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 26/08/2026Want to help improve education about MAiD in Canada? @maidincanada.bsky.social is looking for volunteer testers for their new education course. maidincanada.substack.com?utm_source=n...maidincanada.substack.comMAiD in Canada | SubstackMAiD in Canada delivers accurate, compassionate insights on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Led by nurses Paul and Kim, we address misinformation, share updates, and explore key issues to inform a... 030
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie🎃🎃🎃Michael Scare-anicolas🎃🎃🎃 @karanicolas.bsky.social · 25/08/2026🚨🚨Job Alert🚨🚨 Do you like Public Policy? And Technology? And the Law??!?!? Come work with me! We're hiring a fellow for the coming year. It's an awesome position and a chance to collaborate on digital sovereignty, quantum policy, AI regulation, and a whole lot more. Apply by Sep 20:dal.peopleadmin.caPalmer Fellowship in Public PolicyAs the first university-based common law school in the nation, the Schulich School of Law offers a unique and enlightened approach to legal education. Diverse curriculum, leading specializations, and ... 086
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 23/08/2026We need some help! We’re looking for 30–40 volunteers to test our first free, interactive MAiD education course before we launch it publicly. About 30–45 minutes + a short feedback survey. No MAiD expertise required — we actually want a mix of knowledge levels. Interested?maidincanada.substack.comHelp us test our new MAiD education courseWe’re looking for 30–40 volunteers to help us test the first of what we hope will become a series of free public MAiD education courses. 033
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 20/08/2026This is an exceptionally important piece. Among other things, it emphasizes the plural nature of disability communities & the differences of opinion on MAiD and it shows how fixing system failures and respecting individual rights are not mutually inconsistent. Hope @seanfraser.bsky.social reads it! 000
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 19/08/2026A conspiracy theory linking medical assistance in dying, white Canadians, and immigration has moved from the fringes of online discussion to one of the world’s largest political platforms. Read our analysis of how this disturbing argument against MAiD was presented on The Tucker Carlson Show.maidincanada.substack.comThe MAiD Great Replacement Theory Goes MainstreamHow demographic statistics about assisted dying became evidence for a racist conspiracy theory 1106
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 12/08/2026This is who the anti-MAiD MI-SUMC co-chairs of AMAD invited to testify. Not… the people whose rights they recommended Parliament take away. Shameful really. 142
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 07/08/2026Kelsi Sheren says she’s being demonetized, censored, and targeted because of her views on MAiD. But there’s a difference between being silenced for your views and being held accountable for the things you choose to say publicly. Sometimes, your own words provide the necessary context.youtube.comKelsi Sheren Says She’s Being Silenced. Is It Censorship—or Accountability?YouTube video by MAiD in Canada 144
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 06/08/2026Your courage and generosity of spirit in doing this will definitely help others. Thank you! 121
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieJust Me @mennonite.bsky.social · 06/08/2026I've opened an extremely private medical procedure to researchers and the press. I could say it's because I want to make this more transparent for people. I could say it's because I want the government to face the absurdity of the situation. How much of that is just justification, I'll never know. 022
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 06/08/2026Much of Tucker Carlson’s two-hour interview with Kelsi Sheren was devoted to repeating the same misleading claims about MAiD that we have heard many times before. However, a few notably different claims caught our attention—and we thought they warranted a closer look.maidincanada.substack.comThis Week (or so) in MAiD Misinformation - The Tucker Carlson EditionThis week in MAiD misinformation is dedicated to Tucker Carlson, who interviewed a familiar Canadian purveyor of misinformation and conspiracy theories about MAiD. 054
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 31/07/2026A false claim can be made in seconds. Correcting it may take months. Mr. Friesen of the EPC claimed that the American Association of Suicidology denied any distinction between MAiD and suicide. Six months later, the AAS republished a statement saying precisely the opposite, and more. Our latest:maidincanada.substack.comHow One False Claim Took Six Months to CorrectThe American Association of Suicidology republishes its statement distinguishing MAiD from suicide—and illustrates one of the greatest challenges of combating misinformation. 011
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieAnna Mehler Paperny @mehlerpaperny.bsky.social · 30/07/2026BC's Mental Health Act violates Charter rights (sections 7 and 15), court finds: You can't assume an involuntarily hospitalized person lacks capacity to consent or withhold consent to treatment. Win for disability rights activists: www.bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/sc/2... ht @ivacheung.combccourts.ca2026 BCSC 1416 Council of Canadians with Disabilities v. British Columbia (Attorney General)Council of Canadians with Disabilities v. British Columbia (Attorney General), 13624
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieSport Integrity Canada @sportintegritycan.bsky.social · 29/07/2026📣 The Aboriginal Sport Circle and Sport Integrity Canada have signed a Letter of Intent establishing a shared commitment to advancing a safe sport system that is culturally respectful, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Indigenous participants across Canada. sportintegrity.ca/news/aborigi... 001
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Yet again, @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social captures the real and significant human costs of political manoeuvring about MAiD - this time through the multi-focal Alberta legislative attack on access to MAiD. albertaviews.ca/stealing-fre...albertaviews.caDanielle Smith's medical assistance in dying law - Alberta ViewsUnable to access medical assistance in dying in Canada, the 89-year-old travelled to Switzerland to obtain the care denied to her here. 021
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 24/07/2026@senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social Can you help? As a former journalist and a current senator from Alberta... 010
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieSport Integrity Canada @sportintegritycan.bsky.social · 24/07/2026📱Your DMs can be a space for manipulation. Know the signs. Sport Integrity Canada's video breaks down what national-level athletes need to know about staying safe online. 🔵 How to recognize manipulation in your messages 🟠 Steps you can take if something feels off 🔵 Where to get support 101
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 22/07/2026I hope she does consider the report because then she will see that the "Supplemental Opinion of the Liberal Party of Canada" suggested that MAiD for persons with sole mental illness is not necessary because they have options - buy fentanyl on the street and overdose. Shocking but true. 010
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieMAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 18/07/2026Can a handful of deliberately selected, unusually complex MAiD cases tell us whether Canada's entire MAiD system is failing? That's the question at the centre of an exchange in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. With permission, we republish Dr. Konia Trouton and colleagues' response.maidincanada.substack.comOntario’s MAiD Death Review Committee- avoiding misunderstandingsCommittee members respond to Ramona Coelho, David Shannon, and Trudo Lemmens 122
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieRobert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 16/07/2026E. Jean Carroll spent nearly a decade in court fighting one of the most powerful men in the world. She fought with tenacity and grace — and she won. She is one of my personal heroes. We all owe her a debt of gratitude. 322172093664
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 16/07/2026France joins the ranks of jurisdictions allowing medical assistance in dying www.upi.com/Top_News/Wor...upi.comFrench lawmakers vote to allow assisted dying - UPI.comFrance on Wednesday has approved a bill permitting adults suffering from a serious and incurable, life-threatening condition to seek assisted dying. 120
Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 16/07/2026@seanfraser.bsky.social. As you consider what you are going to do re: MAiD where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition, look closely at the Table of Contents for the AMAD Report. It includes "Supplemental Opinion of the Liberal Party of Canada." ...parl.ca 131
Reposted by Jocelyn DownieAndré Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 08/07/2026No championships, no trophies, no stars: How Norway made sport fun for kids. Country’s approach to sports prioritises joy while offering youngsters choice – and Erling Haaland’s World Cup exploits show that it works, by Jesse Gerritsen www.theguardian.com/football/202... via @theguardian.comtheguardian.comNo league tables, no trophies: how Norway made sport fun for kids – and built a football team that beat BrazilThe country’s model prioritises joy while offering youngsters choice – and Erling Haaland’s World Cup exploits show that it works 08027