MAiD in the Media: Storytelling, Ethics, and Public Perception
| Friday, May 1, 2026 |
| 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Opus Ballroom |
Speaker(s)
Speakers: Alexandre Sheldon, Paul Magennis, Kim Carlson and Justin Ling Moderator: Alexandra McPherson
Session Details
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- discuss MAiD in the media and how it is being portrayed across various platforms
- consider how this portrayal is impacting public perceptions
- describe how MAiD community and professionals can impact the media perception (lessons learned)
Speaker
Ms. Kim Carlson
Co-author
MAiD In Canada
Panelist
Biography
Kim Carlson is a Registered Nurse in British Columbia with extensive experience in both palliative care and MAiD. She is the co-founder of MAiD in Canada, a publication dedicated to providing clear, evidence-based information to public audiences and addressing misinformation about MAiD within broader discourse. In addition to her professional work, Kim has supported a loved one through the MAiD process, which has deepened her interest in the lived experience of assisted dying and the narratives that shape public understanding.
Mr. Justin Ling
Toronto Star
Panelist
Biography
Justin Ling is an investigative journalist and columnist for the Toronto Star. His work focuses on national security, information, and politics.
Mr. Paul Magennis
Co-founder
MAiD In Canada
Panelist
Biography
Paul Magennis is a Registered Nurse in British Columbia and co-founder of MAiD in Canada, an independent educational platform and Substack publication dedicated to providing clear, fact-based information about MAiD.
Through long-form writing, media engagement, and public speaking, he focuses on accessible public education, examines how MAiD is portrayed across media platforms, and works to address misinformation by providing accurate context to the broader conversation.
Through long-form writing, media engagement, and public speaking, he focuses on accessible public education, examines how MAiD is portrayed across media platforms, and works to address misinformation by providing accurate context to the broader conversation.
M. Alexandre Sheldon
Radio-canada
Panelist
Biography
Alexandre Sheldon est un réalisateur et concepteur de documentaires et de balados. Avec Radio-Canada, et aux côtés d'Alain Gravel, il a signé la série balado « La mort libre », qui explore l’aide médicale à mourir. Il est également l’auteur des documentaires « HAK_MTL », « Algo, Polly & Turcot » et co-réalisateur du long-métrage « Le monde selon Amazon », une enquête sur le géant du commerce en ligne, qu’il a co-réalisé. Actuellement, il réalise « La grande fumisterie », une nouvelle série avec Alain Gravel retraçant la bataille judiciaire contre l’industrie du tabac au Canada.