Article and call out written by Paul Crawford

The Penticton Art Gallery invites the public's participation in our upcoming M.A.i.D. in Canada exhibition, which aims to explore the social impact of Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Program. Since coming into law in 2016 over 50,000 Canadians have received medically assisted deaths. In 2022, the total number of MAID provisions increased by 31.2% (2022 over 2021) compared to 32.6% (2021 over 2020) and the annual growth rate in MAiD provisions has been steady over the past six years, with an average growth rate of 31.1% from 2019 to 2022.

As of this writing, eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program for individuals solely suffering from a mental illness is set to commence on March 17, 2024, following an additional year-long pause. This contentious expansion has sparked significant concerns. In December 2022, more than 50 disability organizations, including several in B.C., voiced their opposition to the expansion in a joint letter to the justice minister, citing worries about discrimination, lack of support, and the imperative to protect vulnerable individuals. Additionally, in 2023, the heads of psychiatry at all of Canada’s 17 medical schools called for a further delay, contending that determining an individual’s mental illness will never respond to treatment is an impossible task.

This growing coalition of experts, doctors, and advocates for disabled individuals is actively opposing the expansion of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program to include mental illness as the sole condition. They express deep concerns about the interconnected relationships among increasing socioeconomic disparity, social isolation, inadequate affordable housing, and food insecurity. These factors contribute to a mounting climate of anxiety and rising addiction rates, exacerbating our growing mental health crisis. The potential expansion of the MAiD program is viewed with apprehension, as highlighted by statistics from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) website. It reveals that only half of Canadians experiencing a major depressive episode receive "potentially adequate care," while one-third of Canadians aged 15 or older with a reported need for mental health care state that those needs were not fully met. Disturbingly, 75% of children with mental disorders lack access to specialized treatment services. The heightened risk of suicide among Aboriginal and Inuit youth, with rates 5 to 6 times higher than non-Aboriginal youth and 11 times the national average, raises genuine concerns about the potential tragic consequences of expanding the MAiD program. The advocacy efforts of this coalition are directed towards ensuring accessibility to affordable housing, food security, mental health treatment, and addiction support. They emphasize the imperative to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

If the MAiD Program hasn't touched your life yet, it will most certainly do so in the years ahead. Our aim is to create a forum for dialogue by putting a human face on the overarching impact, providing a personal context that highlights individual experiences and perspectives. Whether you're currently considering MAiD or have had a loved one contemplate or undergo the program, your individual perspective is a valuable tool in helping us collectively process and come to terms with the impact this has and will have on our society. Recognizing the deeply personal nature of Canada's MAiD Program, we believe your unique perspective will help shed light on the impact of this social policy and help us foster a more informed and compassionate dialogue. Through this collective sharing, our exhibition aims to contribute to a more compassionate, empathetic, and caring society.

Why Hand Written Letters?

For centuries, handwritten letters have served as poignant vessels of human connection, uniquely expressing and recording our most profound experiences and deepest emotions. This exhibition uses the handwritten letter as its vehicle for self-expression, delving into the intricate ways in which the written word encapsulates the diverse spectrum of human life – from the tender moments of birth to the inevitable embrace of mortality. What makes this even more profound is the tangible essence of someone's handwriting, a visceral reminder of the individuality behind each stroke of the pen.

In an era dominated by swift digital communication, the reception of a handwritten letter or note carries a distinct and special significance. The intentional act of composing words on paper implies a deeper contemplation, suggesting that the sender invested not just time but genuine thought into expressing their feelings. This personal touch enhances the experience, nurturing an intimate connection between the author and the recipient.

A letter also stands as a testament to the enduring power of the written word, providing a unique form of vulnerability and authenticity. In a world where emails may seem cold and impersonal, the tactile quality of a handwritten letter bridges the gap, generating an emotional resonance that profoundly impacts us. This tangible artifact evolves into a shared journey, fostering a unique connection between the sender and recipient that extends beyond the written message.

As we navigate the currents of time, these handwritten letters serve as fragile yet resilient ambassadors of empathy. They remind us of the shared human experience, evoking a sense of commonality that transcends individual stories. In preserving these delicate artifacts, we not only safeguard the tangible traces of the past but also perpetuate a tradition that has the potential to foster empathy, understanding, and profound connection across the ages.

call to participate:

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with the MAiD Program by submitting a handwritten letter (email or typed is also acceptable), photograph, video or artwork, each no larger than 8 1/2” x 11”. Your unique contributions will play a crucial role in fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding this program. Join us in shaping a thoughtful and compassionate dialogue through the power of art and personal expression.

PAG is committed to providing a safe space where the public can express their feeling and thoughts while also offering space to contemplate and process the impacts of this legislation. Regardless of your stance on the issue, your unique experiences and contributions will add depth to our collective understanding of this significant matter. The letters will be displayed as they arrive in binders on a table, offering individuals the opportunity to read, contemplate, and respond if they wish. Your voice matters in shaping a more informed and compassionate dialogue on this crucial issue.

To submit, email:

curator@pentictonartgallery.com