Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Alex Schadenberg

A few months ago I was asked to speak at the Guelph Wellington Men’s Club. Along with the request I received this information.

Recently we had a retired United Church minister, who gave a talk on “Dignity in Dying”, which, although it included other topics, was mostly a presentation in favour of MAID.

I was approved to speak for this August.

Even though I provided the required information and I was open to questions from any participant, I was informed, today, that I would not be welcome at the Men’s Club.

Since the Men’s Club neither supports nor opposes MAiD, I understood that not everyone would be happy with my presentation, but I was willing to provide information and I was open to respectful dialogue.

Several years ago I spoke at a Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs. The attendees were clearly divided on the issue and I faced several questions from supporters of euthanasia, but the dialogue was respectful.

I have also spoken at several other civic events and once again there was respectful dialogue.

It concerns me when groups prevent free and open dialogue. I would never be “hateful” or “discriminatory” but clearly the Men’s Club is closed to our point of view.

Oh, by the way, Yes, I do oppose killing people.