Jocelyn Downie
@jgdownie.bsky.social
Professor Emeritus, Faculties of Law and Medicine, Dalhousie University. Working on assisted dying, sport integrity, photography, and woodturning.
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
"We’re done waiting for Dems to find their spine. We can’t afford a weak & cowardly Democratic Party while the authoritarians invade our cities, terrorize our communities, & threaten our democracy. We get the party we demand, & we intend to demand a Democratic Party that fights.” — @indivisible.org
Indivisible Launches its Largest Primary Program in Response to Senate Democrats Surrendering on the Shutdown Vote
indivisible.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:08 PM
"We’re done waiting for Dems to find their spine. We can’t afford a weak & cowardly Democratic Party while the authoritarians invade our cities, terrorize our communities, & threaten our democracy. We get the party we demand, & we intend to demand a Democratic Party that fights.” — @indivisible.org
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
An update on my column: Parliamentary committee drops most contentious parts of its demand for data on research funding. It now wants aggregated, not disaggregated data. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
November 6, 2025 at 2:29 AM
An update on my column: Parliamentary committee drops most contentious parts of its demand for data on research funding. It now wants aggregated, not disaggregated data. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
On Oct 1 the Standing Committee on Science and Research passed an egregious motion calling for the disclosure of disaggregated data for research applications to federal granting council from 2020-2025. On Oct 20 they amended the timeframe to 2000-2025.
@picardonhealth.bsky.social
@picardonhealth.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM
On Oct 1 the Standing Committee on Science and Research passed an egregious motion calling for the disclosure of disaggregated data for research applications to federal granting council from 2020-2025. On Oct 20 they amended the timeframe to 2000-2025.
@picardonhealth.bsky.social
@picardonhealth.bsky.social
@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
November 1, 2025 at 1:22 PM
@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
MAiD in Kingston: One woman’s fight to control her death
open.substack.com/pub/thekings...
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
October 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
MAiD in Kingston: One woman’s fight to control her death
open.substack.com/pub/thekings...
open.substack.com/pub/thekings...
Yet another helpful explainer from @maidincanada.bsky.social
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
October 31, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Yet another helpful explainer from @maidincanada.bsky.social
Appreciated this ray of sunshine in these dark days.
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...
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
October 27, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Appreciated this ray of sunshine in these dark days.
Great job opportunity!
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
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
October 15, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Great job opportunity!
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
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...
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
October 13, 2025 at 7:04 PM
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...
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...
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
October 7, 2025 at 10:15 PM
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/...
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.”
“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.”
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...
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
October 1, 2025 at 1:53 PM
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.”
“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.”
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
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.
"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
September 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
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.
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
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.
Those who voted for delaying restoring our rights are responsible for their lack of a dignified death.
September 4, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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.
Those who voted for delaying restoring our rights are responsible for their lack of a dignified death.
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
September 20, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Thoughtful (and truthful) reflections from Dr. Stefanie Green on assisted dying in Canada. A welcome respite from the incendiary (and false) narratives flooding media.
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
September 4, 2025 at 1:04 PM
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
“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
August 19, 2025 at 7:35 PM
“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...
Paul Magennis and Kim Carlson continue to do great work responding to irresponsible journalism spreading myths, mis-, and disinformation about MAiD in Canada.
August 19, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Paul Magennis and Kim Carlson continue to do great work responding to irresponsible journalism spreading myths, mis-, and disinformation about MAiD in Canada.
A Clichéd Work of Staggering Mediocrity
idontrememoir.substack.com?utm_source=n...
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
August 15, 2025 at 2:11 PM
A Clichéd Work of Staggering Mediocrity
idontrememoir.substack.com?utm_source=n...
idontrememoir.substack.com?utm_source=n...
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.’”
Previously unpublished data shows that people are not choosing MAiD simply because they are lonely.
maidincanada.substack.com/p/previously...
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
August 7, 2025 at 2:08 PM
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.’”
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
Previously unpublished data shows that people are not choosing MAiD simply because they are lonely.
maidincanada.substack.com/p/previously...
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
August 7, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Previously unpublished data shows that people are not choosing MAiD simply because they are lonely.
maidincanada.substack.com/p/previously...
maidincanada.substack.com/p/previously...
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
August 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Another piece by Stephanie Nolen that tells a story of assisted dying with facts, insight, and compassion. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/h...
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
August 1, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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...
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
Reposted by Jocelyn Downie
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.
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
July 29, 2025 at 12:16 AM
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.