I'll make it short because time is valuable: my grandfather got diagnosed with cancer, and there is only one real treatment. All others would extend his life/manage his pain, but would not be curative.

Unfortunately, the only treatment is a new form of medication which would cost... $540,000. And that's for a six month supply at $90,000 a month.

But hey, it's not an issue in Canada, right? Healthcare is free?

Well, not exactly. We have to pay medication insurance (no one mentions that by the way) and pay a deductible, but OK, it would be a few thousands maximum, government will cover the rest, right?

... Nope!

Here is the issue:

Grandfather met with a doctor, then another, then another. Along the way, one of them had a discussion with him. I wasn't there of course, but he told me this is how it went.

Doctor: "Treatment blah blah blah side effect blah blah blah."

Grandfather: "I see."

Doctor: "Now, this is not pleasant, but we need to discuss it. What is your vied on MAID - medically-assisted induced death?"

Grandfather: "Never, ever. I am a christian and it's totally opposed to my values. I will never do it."

Doctor: "Alright. So back to treatment, blah blah blah..."

So, what is the issue with that? I will insist upon this: my grandfather is VERY religious. To this day, attends mess, pray, etc. He is 100% opposed to suicide/MAID.

OK so what is the issue? Well, we used freedom of information to get a copy of his medical file and this is what the doctor actually wrote on his file

"xx/xx/2026 - Discussed the possibilty of MAID with patient"

That's it. That was what he wrote for the follow-up for that appointment.

So, here is what happened next.

Doctor signed so he could start treatment. Medication cots $540k.

Medication insurer (government) denies it.

That's right: the treatment is refused. Claim denied. Keep in mind this is his ONLY hope for a cure. Keep in mind it's an approved medication to treat his exact cancer.

Of course, my grandfather is kind of old. Almost 80. Maybe they think it's not worth it to spend $540k to treat him.

Keep in mind my grandfather worked his entire life and paid MILLIONS in taxes.

So anyway, we file an appeal. The case is reviewed, and it's denied again. What for?

Here is what the letter says (rough translation from French):

"Likewise, we see you have already discussed end of life care with a health provider. We fully understand and respect your decision at this point, and the right to die with dignity.

Given your condition andd your intent to ask for a dignified death, we don't believe the treatment as suggested would provided sufficient benefits for you and your cared ones."

... except my grandfather didn't discuss Maid with a doctor. He rejected it. But that one line from the doctor got interpreted as "he is talking about ending his life."

Yes, you read that right.

When I saw that, I was furious. That one line with a doctor - hurr durr he wants to die - got interpreted in such a way that now they're refusing to treat him.

Because it's too costly.

There is no way he can afford the $540k by himself. He'd have to sell his house, go into debt, etc. And given his advanced age...

Yeah, I guess in their system, when you are too old, they just dump you lol. You asked about MAID (I mean, he didn't, the doctor ddid, but it doesn'T matter)? Too bad. You cost too much to treat, so F U.

So now my grandfather is not only facing a life-threatening illness, but having to hire a lawyer to fight that decision. There is no guarantee they change their mind neither. Again, my grandfather paid MILLIONS in taxes, but hey, he's old now (and costing money from his pension plan) so I guess it doesn't matter.

So yes, sorry for taking so long, I'm emotive, but MAID is 100% being used to justify killing old people, whether they want it or not. That doctor basically sentenced him to death.

FYI, I look at the treatment in details, and there are good chances he could be cured, or at least it would massively extend his life (without it, he'd live 3-5 years tops, with it, he could live another 10-25).

I fucking hate this place.