Upcoming Presentation Event
Financial Planning: Secure your future, shape your legacy
- Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 1 pm
- Location: online via Zoom
Many Canadians know that financial planning is important, but aren’t always sure where to begin—or what considerations should be prioritized as they age. From tax planning and charitable giving to estate planning and legacy decisions, navigating these topics can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.
But with a well-structured financial plan, it’s possible to achieve more than just financial security—it can help ensure your values, priorities, and legacy are reflected during your lifetime and beyond. That’s why we’re pleased to welcome back Pierre Tomiczek from the Canadian Institute of Financial Planners to share updated strategies for integrating financial planning with legacy building and end-of-life decisions.
Creating Your Legacy: A compassionate guide to legacy planning
Legacy is often thought of as what you leave behind and how you are remembered after you are gone. But a true legacy is built in the context of a life that has been lived. Legacy planning is not just about preparing for what is to come — it is about celebrating who you are, honouring your relationships, and giving voice to what matters most to you.
This legacy planning guide is a joint initiative by Dying With Dignity Canada and Pancreatic Cancer North America. It offers an opportunity to reflect on your life, express what matters to you, and provide something lasting to the people you care about. Inside, you’ll find a guide to the types and benefits of legacy planning and how to implement your plan.
Understanding Dementia and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
Fact Sheet Now Available
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) has been a legal option in Canada since 2016 for people who meet specific conditions under the law. In 2021, new changes under Bill C‑7 introduced a waiver of final consent, which is important for individuals who may lose decision-making ability (such as those living with dementia).
A waiver of final consent allows someone who is eligible for MAID and whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable to make an agreement in advance. This agreement says that MAID can still go ahead on a planned date even if they lose capacity before that day — as long as they do not show any signs of refusal (such as words, gestures, or movement) at the time of the procedure.
Some important points to know:
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If the person still has capacity on the planned date and says “I’m not ready,” MAID will not happen. The waiver becomes invalid.
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The person can later request a new date and complete a new waiver, as long as they still meet the criteria.
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If the person has lost capacity and a valid waiver is in place, the nurse or doctor who signed the form may still proceed with MAID — even if family members disagree — as long as the person does not show resistance in any way.
This is a deeply personal and sensitive topic. We are sharing this fact sheet strictly for educational purposes to help seniors and their families better understand the current law and options for future planning.
📘 Read the full fact sheet here:
👉 Dementia and MAID Fact Sheet – Dying With Dignity Canada
📄 For those who want to explore the legal details, you can also view the full text of Bill C‑7 here:
👉 Bill C-7 – Parliament of Canada (Royal Assent version)
📄 Find clarity in end-of-life care with Dying With Dignity’s comprehensive glossary of terms, defining everything from Advance Care Planning to advance directives:
👉 Glossary of Terms
📘 Download the planning guide to legacy planning:
👉Creating Your Legacy: A compassionate guide to legacy planning