The archbishop of Toronto published a statement April 20 calling on Canada’s prime minister and lawmakers to support Bill C-218, a measure that would prevent the euthanasia of those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness.
Without the legislation, euthanasia, referred to as Medical Assistance in Dying or (MAiD) in Canada, will be available for Canadians suffering exclusively from mental illness beginning in March 2027.
"I ask you to choose life and not death," Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto Cardinal Frank Leo wrote to Prime Minister Mark Carney and all federal Members of Parliament (MP) in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Cardinal Leo called on the political leaders "to help build a civilization that cares for those suffering and does not eliminate them, but instead surrounds them with dignity, compassion, and love."
He expressed "great disappointment and anguish" at the pace of MAiD's expansion since MAiD legislation was first passed in 2016 — describing the movement as "rapid and alarming" and contrary to the commitments and safeguards promised a decade ago.
"Euthanasia and assisted suicide are indeed contrary to the dignity of the human person," he wrote.
The first year MAiD was legalized, 1,018 Canadians died by euthanasia. By 2024, that number had climbed to 16,499 in a year — a more than 16-fold increase in under a decade, now accounting for 1 in every 20 deaths in Canada.
The cardinal raised particular concern about vulnerable Canadians who may feel pressure — "whether subtle or overt" — to seek assisted death during moments of crisis.
"A society is rightly judged by how it cares for its most vulnerable members," he wrote, warning that normalization of assisted suicide risks "undermining a culture of compassion, weakening investments in palliative support, and diminishing the collective commitment to accompany those suffering."
The cardinal said the bill itself "raises profound questions of conscience that transcend partisan alignment and touch on deeply held moral, ethical, and spiritual convictions."
Beyond the immediate legislation, Cardinal Leo called on Carney and Minister of Justice Sean Fraser — who was copied on the letter — to consider measures restricting any further expansion of assisted suicide and to "prioritize investments in palliative care, mental health support and resources for those who are increasingly marginalized and isolated, especially seniors and Canadians living with disabilities."
The cardinal closed the letter by reiterating his availability to speak with Carney directly, and by expressing his prayers for the prime minister and all those who serve in public office.
According to the Archdiocese of Toronto, the cardinal’s appeal is closely aligned with the “Help Not Harm” campaign currently underway across Canada. Catholics in Canada are being invited to contact their MPs and ask them to support the legislation.