Author | Lightnews

Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 2d

www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/363c579...

Could a device implanted in my brain cure my depression? I was ready to find out

Over the past 14 years, I’ve often fantasized about some scan revealing the locus of my mood disorder. Now, we were as close as we’d likely ever get

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 2d

@mehlerpaperny.bsky.social provides a window into DBS for depression - informative, poignant, funny, and insightful (as in her book Hello I Want to Die Please Fix Me - read if you haven't already done so). Could a device implanted in my brain cure my depression? I was ready to find out

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 3d

MAiD in Kingston: One woman’s fight to control her death
open.substack.com/pub/thekings...

MAiD in Kingston: One woman’s fight to control her death

Mary Katherine Armstrong and her former husband Harvey used to talk about saving a poison pill for when either of them might need it.

open.substack.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 3d

Yet another helpful explainer from @maidincanada.bsky.social

MAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 3d

Health Canada released the What We Heard report from its national conversation on advance requests for MAiD. It doesn't make recommendations, and it doesn’t change the law. It’s a reflection of what people in Canada said—and the concerns they raised—when it comes to advance requests for MAiD.

First thoughts: Health Canada’s “National Conversation on Advance Requests for MAiD” Report

Unsurprisingly Unsurprising

maidincanada.substack.com

Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 7d

Appreciated this ray of sunshine in these dark days.

Stephanie Nolen @stephanienolen.bsky.social · 9d

And now for something totally unexpected: some good news!

Turns out you can make big, big strides in protecting kids from malaria using the lowest possible, cuddliest piece of technology. (open link) www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/h...

In Fight Against Malaria, an Unexpected — and Snuggly — Shield

www.nytimes.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 19d

Great job opportunity!

mattherder.bsky.social @mattherder.bsky.social · 19d

I'm hiring a Legal Research Fellow!

dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19632

CC @roojinhabibi.org @drximebena.bsky.social @elstorreele.bsky.social @cmorten.bsky.social @gregggonsalves.bsky.social @reshmagar.bsky.social @hollylynchez.bsky.social @akapczynski.bsky.social @fatimahassan.bsky.social

Research Fellow

Working in close collaboration with the Chair in Applied Public Health, the Infectious Disease Innovation Governance (IDIG) Research Fellow will play a leading role in a variety of research and capaci...

dal.peopleadmin.ca

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Reposted by Jocelyn Downie

MAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · 21d

It’s not every day you can be thankful for how a conservative outlet covers MAiD, but credit where it’s due.

We don’t agree with everything in The American Conservative’s article but they handled it seriously and without the usual sensationalism.
maidincanada.substack.com/p/the-americ...

The American Conservative Gets It (Mostly) Right

Something to be thankful for...

maidincanada.substack.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · 27d

A thoughtful *fact-based* explanation of the Canadian numbers (and the fully-anticipated plateau in the rate of increase in uptake) www.thestar.com/news/canada/...

MAiD in Ontario had years of rapid growth. Here’s what the new numbers show

Some analysts argue that a stabilizing growth rate counters the claims that medically assisted deaths are increasing too rapidly.

www.thestar.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Oct 1

The sky is not falling, we aren’t going off a cliff, we aren’t on a slippery slope,…

“The next time someone claims the numbers are exploding without end, remember what the data actually shows: Canada’s MAiD program is reaching a steady, predictable plateau.”

MAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · Oct 1

After years of growth, MAiD deaths in Canada appear to be leveling off. New provincial data shows year-over-year increases shrinking fast — and the national program is moving toward a stable plateau.
maidincanada.substack.com/p/maid-in-ca...

After Years of Growth, MAiD Deaths Begins Leveling Off

New data shows growth slowing as Canada’s MAiD program approaches long-term stability.

maidincanada.substack.com

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Reposted by Jocelyn Downie

Jennifer Koshan @jenniferkoshan.bsky.social · Sep 30

Solidarity from law profs down highway 2. That this reprehensible and dangerous action by U of A was apparently triggered by conservative media is appalling. The “protection” rationale trotted out by U of A (see also: forceful takedown of campus protests) is baseless and must be challenged.

Florence Ashley @floralashes.bsky.social · Sep 29

"Why would it bow to antidemocratic pressures by placing a professor on leave without their request, consent, or involvement? That any university would do this is beyond comprehension and is cause for alarm about the future of academic freedom in Canada."

What Happened to the University’s Commitment to Free Expression? Charley Kirk, uAlberta, and Me | Centre for Free Expression

I was shocked when the University of Alberta administration informed me, one of its law professors, that I was being placed on non-disciplinary leave for my social media comments in the wake of Charli...

cfe.torontomu.ca

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Reposted by Jocelyn Downie

Just Me @mennonite.bsky.social · Sep 4

I hope (so long as their families agree) that people will hammer home these two public cases during the next AMAD committee every chance they get.

Those who voted for delaying restoring our rights are responsible for their lack of a dignified death.

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Sep 20

Thoughtful (and truthful) reflections from Dr. Stefanie Green on assisted dying in Canada. A welcome respite from the incendiary (and false) narratives flooding media.

How legalizing medically assisted death changed the possibilities for millions

On April 1, 2002, assisted dying became legal in the Netherlands, igniting global ethical debates around the principles of autonomy, dignity, and the definition of suffering

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Sep 4

Instead of reading misinformation-filled media, watch this thoughtful, powerful, accurate depiction of assisted dying for persons with mental disorders as sole condition. Most important - listen to the voices of those affected. No Way to Die gem.cbc.ca/no-way-to-die

No Way to Die | Films | CBC Gem

These two people have struggled with mental illness their entire lives. Now, they're fighting for their right to die via Canada’s MAID program.

gem.cbc.ca

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Aug 19

Plus she says “minors” inviting readers to think all minors when only discussion in Canada has been about “mature minors” (well established group with decision- making authority over other life and death decisions already).

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Aug 19

2% comes from a government document that if you read at all carefully is very clearly NOT stating what Atlantic piece says. Has been stated by Raikin in the past so maybe she got the misinformation from there. Never the prediction of Health Canada or anyone knowledgeable about MAiD in Canada.

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Aug 19

“The Atlantic is killing its reputation: Expert Opinions Overlooked, Facts Ignored: A Closer Look at The Atlantic’s MAiD Story” maidincanada.substack.com/p/the-atlant...

The Atlantic is Killing Its Reputation

Expert Opinions Overlooked, Facts Ignored: A Closer Look at The Atlantic's MAiD Story

maidincanada.substack.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Aug 19

Paul Magennis and Kim Carlson continue to do great work responding to irresponsible journalism spreading myths, mis-, and disinformation about MAiD in Canada.

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Aug 15

A Clichéd Work of Staggering Mediocrity
idontrememoir.substack.com?utm_source=n...

A Clichéd Work of Staggering Mediocrity | Claire Elyse Brosseau | Substack

Currently suing the feds for violating the Charter of Rights & Freedoms. Excerpts from The Second-To-Last Final Exit and my I Don't Rememoir. Click to read A Clichéd Work of Staggering Mediocrity, by ...

idontrememoir.substack.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Aug 7

Why all the dramatic headlines about Canada’s MAiD system being a disaster? This careful review of data concludes: “After all, ‘Dying Canadians driven by complex, unbearable suffering’ doesn’t get the same clicks as ‘They chose death because they were lonely.’”

MAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · Aug 7

Previously unpublished data shows that people are not choosing MAiD simply because they are lonely.
maidincanada.substack.com/p/previously...

Previously unpublished data shows that people are not choosing MAiD simply because they are lonely.

Late last year, headlines claimed that hundreds of Canadians chose Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) simply because they were lonely. It was a claim designed to shock—and it worked, sparking outrage ...

maidincanada.substack.com

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Reposted by Jocelyn Downie

MAiD in Canada @maidincanada.bsky.social · Aug 7

Previously unpublished data shows that people are not choosing MAiD simply because they are lonely.
maidincanada.substack.com/p/previously...

Previously unpublished data shows that people are not choosing MAiD simply because they are lonely.

Late last year, headlines claimed that hundreds of Canadians chose Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) simply because they were lonely. It was a claim designed to shock—and it worked, sparking outrage ...

maidincanada.substack.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Aug 6

Another piece by Stephanie Nolen that tells a story of assisted dying with facts, insight, and compassion. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/h...

A Cancer Patient Chose Assisted Death. That Wasn’t the Last Hard Choice.

www.nytimes.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Aug 1

Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport releases new strategic plan. See what’s head for Canada’s sport integrity agency… cces.ca/news/cces-an...

The CCES Announces New Strategic Plan Through to 2028 | Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

cces.ca

Reposted by Jocelyn Downie

Anna Mehler Paperny @mehlerpaperny.bsky.social · Jul 29

www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/art...

Health advocates shocked as Carney Liberals back away from pharmacare program

Health advocates say they’re shocked to hear the federal government may not sign more pharmacare funding deals, which would leave coverage uneven across the country.

www.ctvnews.ca

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Reposted by Jocelyn Downie

Seth Cotlar @sethcotlar.bsky.social · Jul 29

One has to wonder if stories like these are why Trump is acting so weird and unhinged (even by his standards) around the Epstein stuff.

Leigh Gilmore @lgilmore.bsky.social · Jul 28

Where are the voices of the girls Epstein and Trump abused? Kate Manne transcribed Katie Johnson’s (a pseudonym) account of how Trump allegedly raped her at Epstein’s home in 1994. She was 13 and wore a blonde wig that Trump allegedly said made her look like Ivana, who was 13yo at the time.

The Actual Conspiracy Theory Surrounding Trump and Epstein

It’s not what you think it is.

katemanne.substack.com

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Jocelyn Downie @jgdownie.bsky.social · Jul 28

Another accurate, thoughtful, responsible response to more irresponsible and indefensible misinformation about MAiD in Canada maidincanada.substack.com/p/the-anti-m...

The Anti-MAiD Facebook Post That Might Cost Someone Their Life

When anti-MAiD misinformation goes too far. And using scary pictures and language is fun! We see why they do it so much!

maidincanada.substack.com

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