Media Release - A Bright Future for Bridge C-14
Editor's Note: In case you missed it, Bridge C-14 is proud to share the news that we have received charitable status. This accomplishment is a reflection of the incredible work of the organization and the dedication of our volunteers and support from our larger community. Please join us in celebration of this and to congratulate our leader, Lauren Clark, as she celebrates 5 years at the helm of Bridge C-14 on June 21 from 4-5pm PT/ 7-8pm ET (see details at the bottom of the post).
Making history, Bridge C-14 has secured charitable status to be a resource to Canadians, and their loved ones, who need information about their options to die. Bridge C-14 will also be a place to connect those with lived experience related to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).
Ottawa-based President & CEO Lauren Clark has worked on the front line of this issue since 2016 when Canada passed Bill C-14.
Says Clark, “We are so proud. This accomplishment will help us to continue shaping the landscape of support for people touched by MAiD from across Canada.”
The "Bridge" of the organization’s name represents a connection between the medical aspects of MAiD and the ongoing need for compassionate support from peers in this space. Bridge C-14 was launched shortly after the bill received Royal Assent so it was included in the name.
Sarah McGillivray, a family member who has experienced MAiD says, “At the end of the day, this group gave my dad and our family the tools and courage to face the unthinkable without shame or doubt. The grief group I participated in gave me the space and support I needed to try to keep my head on my shoulders in the months following his death. Your work is crucial.”
Receiving charitable status from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will allow greater opportunities to change the conversation to one which honours and respects personal choice and family dignity. It will bridge the gap between the medical aspects of MAiD and the need for compassionate non-medical support. That will give people a place to connect, discuss and share with others who understand the MAiD experience.
Without charitable status, volunteers have been struggling to meet the increasing demands from so many Canadians.
Clark says, “Until now, there has been a lost opportunity to support a positive end-of-life experience and to prepare for healthy grief. For vulnerable, marginalized, or geographically isolated people, the challenges of accessing skilled and appropriate MAiD and grief support are even greater. Without funding we risk losing capacity to provide this much needed support.”
Bridge C-14 has already engaged with other organizations that provide access, information and support to Canadians. Accolades have been rolling in from across the country.
Dr. Stefanie Green, Co-Founder and President of Canadian Association for MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP), “Bridge C-14 is an essential organization that fills an important gap by offering an invaluable peer- support and resource network to those who are going through the MAiD process and their families.”
As the author of This is Assisted Dying she adds, “I recommend Bridge C-14 to all of my patients and families.”
Dying with Dignity Canada (DWDC) CEO, Helen Long, says, “Bridge C-14 is an invaluable resource for individuals and their loved ones, not just as they are considering or pursuing a medically assisted death, but also in the grief that can follow a MAID death.”
Long added that Bridge C-14’s charitable status will help ensure stability for this important organization as it can now begin fundraising.
DWDC’s Support Team regularly refers people across the country to Bridge C-14's peer-to-peer and community programs and resources. It’s partnerships like that that make end-of-life navigation in Canada stronger.
“This new level of organizational capacity will allow you to expand your reach and offerings in new and exciting ways while providing stability for your proven programs,” says Chelsea Peddle, author of Pancakes with Nana: A Storybook About Medical Assistance in Dying, and Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Says Clark, “We’ve been working for years as volunteers to support this cause but that meant growth was difficult. Today is the start of a new chapter.”
For more Information:
Lauren Clark, President & CEO
Invitation to the celebration (click image below to access the Zoom session directly):
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