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The Ultimate Choice

The Ultimate Choice is a groundbreaking documentary podcast produced by TVO Today in collaboration with the Investigative Journalism Bureau and the Toronto Star. This gripping series traces the compelling journey of Michael Fraser and his wife Ann. Michael, housebound by pain, and incurable disease, sees his choice for medically assisted death (MAID) as a powerful solution to his suffering.  Audiences were first introduced to Michael in 2022 through the IJB and Toronto Star digital series, Choosing Death.  In this latest audio series, we uncover the reasons behind Michael’s actions and examine how they impact his family, friends, and longtime doctor. Hosted by IJB investigative reporter Rob Cribb, the making of this podcast also challenges him to come to terms with his own family history as he dives into this highly charged story. Both a portrait of a family’s autonomy and a hard-hitting expose, The Ultimate Choice reveals the political and ethical stakes behind Canada’s debate to expand MAID like never before.

The Ultimate Choice podcast

Bonus: Mic Drop

In this special episode, we drop the mic and go behind the scenes. Rob Cribb hosts an intimate conversation with Ann Fraser and Dr. Nav Persaud, whose stories are the heartbeat of The Ultimate Choice. Executive producer Susanne Reber gives insights into the making of the series. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and features original music by composer Allison Leyton Brown, with a live performance by Toronto Symphony Orchestra cellist Lucia Ticho.

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The Ultimate Choice podcast

Episode 6: The future

The Canadian government delays any expansion of medically assisted death for three years. Rob explores the fallout with fierce MAID proponent Senator Pamela Wallin. She and Rob share a similar family story, and their conversation strikes a raw chord. What will the future bring for them? Will they be able to exercise their own choices if and when the time comes? The Ultimate Choice is a co-production of TVO Today, the Investigative Journalism Bureau, the Toronto Star and Piz Gloria Productions.

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The Ultimate Choice podcast

Episode 5: The fiasco

Rob meets the people behind the scenes of a political hot potato. Tasked with figuring out the safeguards for Canada's MAID laws, the expert panel meets behind closed doors, and their debates are increasingly divisive. How will Canada cope with the upsurge in demand for access? Rob meets the people behind the scenes of a political hot potato. Tasked with figuring out the safeguards for Canada's MAID laws, the expert panel meets behind closed doors, and their debates are increasingly divisive. How will Canada cope with the upsurge in demand for access? Rob meets the people behind the scenes of a political hot potato. Tasked with figuring out the safeguards for Canada's MAID laws, the expert panel meets behind closed doors, and their debates are increasingly divisive. How will Canada cope with the upsurge in demand for access?

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The Ultimate Choice podcast

Episode 4: The quandary

In Halifax, Rob explores hidden aspects of his dad's life. His growing questions lead him to Washington for a deep dive on Canada's unique MAID challenges as requests for it soar. He meets Mason, who has spent his life searching for ways to deal with his mental health. Will Canada's medically assisted death laws ever offer him a solution?

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The Ultimate Choice podcast

Episode 3: Let's call it a day

Rob and Nav prepare to spend a summer long weekend helping Michael and Ann host family and friends to say goodbye. There's love and joy and a final toast. Rob and Nav are left with a void and some nagging questions.

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The Ultimate Choice podcast

Episode 2: The love of cooking

Michael and Ann bring Rob into their lives, the hopes as well as the dreams. But then there's the pain that won't go away. Michael asks Nav, his longtime family doctor, for help. Rob receives a party invitation so unique he will never forget it.

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The Ultimate Choice podcast

Episode 1: The request

Michael is housebound by pain. His wife Ann is getting ready for work one day when Michael asks her an impossible question. Rob Cribb, host of The Ultimate Choice, starts tracking down how Michael got to the point of wanting to end his life. Who will help him? Rob's own family history emerges. This story is more personal than he ever imagined.

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