Overview
- Brigitte Stegemann, 83, died during a Medical Assistance in Dying procedure at The Pearl care home in Cannifton on July 10, according to family accounts and multiple news reports.
- Her granddaughter says Stegemann became distraught two days earlier, told relatives “I’ve made a mistake,” and performed poorly on a cognitive test used to assess capacity to consent.
- The family alleges staff completed MAiD paperwork without consulting the patient’s power of attorney and that the lethal injection was mishandled, producing heavy bleeding and a nurse who was not wearing gloves.
- The Pearl and the MAiD practitioners say the patient legally consented, while the family has filed complaints with the Ontario Chief Coroner and the Patient Ombudsman and Belleville Police confirm an open criminal investigation.
- Canada’s MAiD program has grown rapidly in recent years, with 16,499 MAiD deaths reported in 2024, and advocates and critics say this case could prompt renewed review of safeguards and oversight practices.