Nova Scotia church faces backlash over assisted dying information event

St. Timothy's Anglican Church in Nova Scotia hosted an educational event about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) at one of its regular "hot potato" dinners focused on controversial topics. The event sparked significant backlash online, with critics arguing that churches should help people find reasons to live rather than facilitate discussions about assisted dying, particularly given concerns about vulnerable populations being encouraged toward this option due to inadequate care and support.

The church, working with Nova Scotia Health staff, presented factual information about MAiD eligibility criteria to attendees. In response to criticism, the church clarified that the baked potato dinner was simply a food alternative to traditional refreshments and that the events aim to create space for community conversation rather than promote any particular viewpoint. Some social media users defended the church's approach as supporting open dialogue amongst religious people with diverse views on end-of-life options.