‘Deeply harmful’: Kamloops MP horrified to learn military vet offered assistance in dying

Kamloops MP and Veteran Affairs critic Frank Caputo was horrified to hear a Canadian military veteran was offered medical assistance in dying, or MAID, while seeking treatment for PTSD and a brain injury.

Caputo sent a letter to the Veteran Affairs minister Lawrence MacAulay today, Aug. 17 outlining his concerns.

“This was a shock to the veteran and their family, who felt betrayed and disgusted by the suggestion,” the letter read.

“It was only after multiple complaints from the veteran then an apology was offered for this deeply harmful act.”

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Caputo has called for an investigation into the incident.

“Veterans and their families often reach out to Veterans Affairs Canada when they are in an exceedingly vulnerable state. An employee’s unprompted recommendation of medical assistance in dying is outside of VAC’s mandate,” his letter said.

“More concretely, it betrays the support Veterans often require in situations of vulnerability and potential self-harm.”

Caputo spoke with the veteran, according to his constituency assistant Michael Friesen, but citing the veteran's privacy, no further information was shared.

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