Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced that the Liberal government will reveal its strategy for medical assistance in dying on Wednesday. The government has not disclosed its plan following a parliamentary committee’s recommendation in June to exclude individuals with a sole mental illness from applying for MAID. Fraser expressed confidence in the policy development process and promised to share the next steps the following day.
The government has postponed expanding MAID to include those solely with mental illness twice after a court ruling against the 2016 legislation. Without government intervention, mental illness coverage under MAID will expand in March next year. Fraser acknowledged the gravity of the issue and requested patience to ensure proper alignment of actions.
The 88-page report stemmed from expert testimonies on the country’s readiness for medical assistance in dying from clinical, health systems, and regulatory viewpoints. The report emphasized the urgent need for enhanced and equitable access to mental health services. The committee noted conflicting opinions on Canada’s readiness to extend MAID eligibility to individuals with mental illness.
Currently, there is a private member’s bill in the House to exclude those solely suffering from mental illness from MAID applications. The government may support this bill or introduce a new one. Fraser did not disclose the government’s preferred course of action when questioned.
For those in need, here are resources for support: Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988, provincial and territorial mental health support services, Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, and guidance from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on discussing suicide with someone in distress.
