Conference tackles questions over medically assisted dying

What does medically assisted dying mean? Holly Schick, executive director of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM), believes the federal government’s decision to legalize medical assistance in dying (MAID) raises many questions for most people.

The SSM is holding a two-day conference in Regina this week to answer some of those questions from legal, medical, personal and caregiver perspectives.

“It’s an important topic for people to be talking about,” Schick said. “Lots of times, I think people are hesitant to talk with their family or others about what their wishes are and to talk about endof-life concerns at all.”

She hopes the conference will encourage people to think about MAID and talk with others about end-of-life options.

The SSM does not support a particular view on the complex issue. A variety of presenters are slated to provide different perspectives.

On Wednesday, Kevin Fenwick, former Saskatchewan deputy minister of justice and former deputy attorney general, will speak about the legalities of assisted dying while Rod McKendrick, with victim services at the provincial Ministry of Justice, will discuss advanced care directives.

Dr. Patricia Hizo-Abes, a physician and clinical assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan, and Maureen Klenk, a geriatric primary care provider with Eden Care Communities, will provide medical perspectives.

Joanne Bracken, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, will speak about assisted dying as it pertains to those with dementia, and David Howland, director of the Health System Policy and Innovation Unit at the Ministry of Health, will talk about accessing MAID.

Additionally, the conference will include two panels on MAID — from a faith perspective and the viewpoint of caregivers.

Several presenters will offer personal perspectives, including Charles Keple, who has a chronic illness, and Jayne Whyte, who lives with mental illness.

Schick expects about 120 people will attend the conference, held at the TraveLodge Hotel and Conference Centre, 4177 Albert St.

Tickets are $65 or $55 for those 55 years and older. More information is available at www.skseniorsmechanism.ca.