Check It Out: Sharing your story can save lives
By Joan Janzen
Here’s a bit of old-time trivia for you. A popular Western TV series called Bonanza ran from 1959 to 1972. The four main characters —Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker, and Pernell Roberts — wore the same outfits for 431 episodes.
Although the show ran for 14 years, few people noticed that the characters wore the same clothes in every episode. Meanwhile, the years pass, and not many Canadians notice that changes are being proposed for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
Conservative MP Tamara Jansen tabled a bill to ban MAID for mental illness. Bill C-218 (The Right to Recover Act) seeks to amend the Criminal Code to exclude mental disorders from being considered a “grievous and irremediably medical condition” for MAID eligibility. If the bill passes, individuals would be disqualified for MAID on the basis of mental illness alone.
Member of Parliament, Andrew Lawton, provided some background information while being interviewed by Candice Malcolm. He explained that the court’s decision in Quebec stated the MAID rules were too restrictive, and the Liberal government responded with this expansion. The unelected Senate unilaterally decided to make this additional change, passed it, and submitted it to the House of Commons.
“The Liberal government moved it forward in spite of massive pushback from the mental health and healthcare field, and a number of people from different sectors,” Andrew said. “They put in place a date this would go into effect, and would figure out the details later. They still haven’t done that. Right now, if nothing happens as of March 2027, it will go into effect.”
“This is something that is very near and dear to my heart; I am a suicide survivor myself,” Andrew said. “I might have been successful getting my life ended, which means I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t have a loving wife. I wouldn’t have had a successful career. I wouldn’t have all those wonderful people I worked with during the last decade and a half.”
In an effort to support the Right to Recover Act, Andrew launched the “I Got Better” campaign, where people share their personal stories. Those are stories of hope, survival and recovery.
Before becoming an MP, Andrew hosted ‘The Andrew Lawton Show’. On one of his podcasts, he shared his personal struggle with depression, and people were listening.
“Mr. Lawton saved me during 2020. I watched his shows and emailed, and Andrew took the time to reply in a meaningful way,” one of his listeners commented. “If it wasn’t for Andrew’s story, I wouldn’t be here today.”
It appears the Right to Recover Act is not only near and dear to Andrew Lawton’s heart, but to many people who suffer from depression. They are making their voices heard, as they posted comments after Andrew’s interview. Here are samples of what listeners had to say.
“I’m one of those people that wouldn’t be here too. Most people truly want help, not a way out.”
“I used to watch your show, and when you came out about your struggles, it helped me take an inner look and reassess my thoughts. I am glad to see you in politics and fighting to make a difference for all of us.”
“Look what we all would have missed without you. You are one of the most brilliant and caring men I’ve seen. I am very happy you are here.”
“Thank you for fighting for all of us with mental health struggles. If anyone reading this comment suffers the same, please know you are loved and valued.”
“Having had depression and anxiety for over two decades, I know firsthand it can make life feel hopeless to keep battling every day. But I also know that these issues come in waves, and there’s many tools to make these conditions manageable. I hope that people who are submerged in suffering don’t give up and give in to this, because life can get better, even though it seems impossible at times.”
Andrew also noted that some people list loneliness, poverty and isolation as reasons for wanting MAID. Those are not medical issues.
“This should be a non-partisan issue. I’m hopeful we will receive support from across the aisle,” he said concerning Bill C-218. “I don’t want to get political points off of this; I want to save lives. If you have experienced mental illness, share that with your MP. Make sure they know there’s a human face behind this.”
The main characters on the old television series wore the same attire for 14 years. But the main characters struggling with mental health issues all have different faces and circumstances. Each one is unique with unlimited potential and value.
“It’s possible to survive and even thrive after wanting to end your life,” Andrew concluded. Now he’s sharing his story, supporting Bill C-218 and saving lives.