War veteran seeking help for PTSD claims he was offered euthanasia

A Canadian Forces veteran says he was offered assisted suicide when he got in touch with Veterans Affairs Canada to ask for help about post-traumatic stress disorder.

The veteran, who has not been named, reached out to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) seeking treatment for PTSD and a traumatic brain injury back in July. 

However, he says the VAC employee brought up medical assistance in dying (MAiD), leaving the veteran feeling ‘deeply disturbed’. 

Speaking to Canada Global News, sources close to the man said the ‘unprompted offer’ of euthanasia ‘disrupted his progress’ and had been ‘harmful to the veteran’s progress and his family’s wellbeing’.

A Canada-based veteran charity said the suggestion could have ‘very very damaging consequences’ if made to someone who was already considering suicide. 

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Debbie Lowther, executive director of VETS Canada, told the outlet: “It’s kind of like planting a seed. If we have a veteran who’s already struggling with their mental health and maybe they are contemplating suicide … this is an opportunity that’s been presented to them.”

The agency has since said it has launched an ‘thorough investigation’ into the matter and that staff would be given training as a ‘reminder’. 

A spokesperson for VAC told Global News Canada: “When the Veteran client called VAC to share what happened on the call, we immediately took action to address the situation and apologised to the client.

“As directed by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Deputy Minister will oversee a thorough internal investigation into this matter and take any appropriate administrative actions necessary to ensure this situation doesn’t happen again.

“In addition, all VAC frontline staff will be provided training as a reminder of the expectations and the available programs and services offered by the Department to support the health and well-being of Veterans.”

Canada legalised MAiD in 2016, with 2021 amendments broadening eligibility for those requesting the procedure. 

However, under Canadian law, medically-assisted suicide can only be discussed between a patient and a primary care provider, such as a GP - meaning it shouldn’t be discussed by an agency such as VAC. 

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In a statement to Fox, VAC said: “VAC’s Case Managers, Veteran Service Agents, and Veteran Service Team Managers have no mandate or role to recommend medical assistance in dying to Veteran clients. 

“Considerations for medical assistance in dying are the subject of discussions between a patient and their primary care providers to determine appropriateness in each individual context. It is covered through the provincial and territorial health authorities and is administered by a physician or nurse practitioner directly to the individual.”

UNILAD has reached out to Veterans Affairs Canada for comment.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123