NEWNow you can listen to the articles from Fox News!
A veteran in the Canadian military who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury was offered medical assistance for death by an employee of Veterans Affairs Canada.
The VAC released a statement last week admitting an incident “in which medical care for death was inappropriately discussed” with the veteran. The department promised that “appropriate administrative steps will be taken” after the veteran expressed outrage at the suggestion, according to a report by Global News.
According to the report, the veteran called the VAC seeking support for post-traumatic stress disorder when the employee raised medical assistance in the event of unsolicited death, or euthanasia. The veteran was reportedly shocked by the suggestion. His family told Global News that the soldier was making positive progress in his physical and mental rehabilitation and that he felt betrayed by an agency tasked with assisting veterans.
ON PTSD AWARENESS DAY, AN IMPORTANT AID FOR VETERANS, MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS IN SEARCH OF BETTER SLEEP
Canadian soldiers, along with personnel from the British, US and Afghan forces, attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Masum Gar Forward Operating Base.
(JOHN D MCHUGH / AFP via Getty Images)
The veteran’s ordeal has since raised concerns that the exchange may not have been an isolated incident, leading to questions about how often the agency has offered or discussed MAID with those suffering from PTSD.
The agency has since apologized to the veteran in a follow-up call after the incident led to several complaints, with the VAC saying it “deeply regrets what happened.”
Canada legalized MAID in 2016, with the 2021 amendments broadening eligibility for those applying for the procedure. People suffering from mental disorders will also be able to access the MAID starting in 2023.
But discussing MAID with veterans falls outside the scope of VAC, an agency charged with caring for a population already at higher risk of suicide.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
(Photo by Cole Burston / Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Providing advice related to medical assistance in the event of death is not a VAC service,” the VAC said.
In 2017, the Canadian government introduced a new suicide prevention strategy for military personnel and veterans that promised improved care and services. The plan also provided training for medical personnel on how to respond to warning signs of suicide.
The VAC did not immediately respond to a Fox News request for comment.
