Available in Audio Format:
Mar 01, 2024
Government delayed, but did not cancel, expansion of euthanasia to the mentally ill
In January 2024, the government committee studying Canada’s euthanasia practice recommended an indefinite delay of the planned expansion to those with mental illness. Euthanasia, also known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was originally going to become available to people whose sole condition is a mental illness in March of 2023, but this had been delayed by one year. The latest report shows that Canadians still see the potential danger of further expanding euthanasia.
Seven provinces and three territories have called on the federal government to indefinitely pause the expansion of euthanasia to those with mental illness. News articles such as the Globe and Mail’s “A delay is not enough: Ottawa should withdraw its MAiD law for the mentally ill” are also calling on the government to cancel, instead of delay, euthanasia for those with mental illness. The Committee’s report adds to these voices, making it clear that Canadians do not support offering assisted suicide to those struggling with mental illness.
On February 1, just three days after the Committee tabled their report, the Minister of Health introduced Bill C-62 to delay the expansion. Although the Committee did not place a timeframe on their recommendation for delay, the government chose to delay for three years, until March 17, 2027.
Bill C-62
Bill C-62 delays the expansion of euthanasia to those with mental illness for three years. About a year ago, the government introduced Bill C-39, which delayed the expansion of euthanasia for just one year with the explanation that the health care system would be ready by early 2024. The Committee report, along with public pressure from psychologists and other health care providers, made it clear that this is not the case – and really, the health care system will never be in a place to confidently offer suicide assistance to the same people they should be offering suicide prevention. With continued pushback on the expansion in the next three years, the government may be convinced to cancel the expansion entirely.
“With continued pushback on the expansion in the next three years, the government may be convinced to cancel the expansion entirely.”
In line with the committee’s recommendations, Bill C-62 requires the committee to reconvene one year before the expansion comes into effect. The committee will then be required to provide a “thorough review of the eligibility for medical assistance in dying of any person whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness.” The bill clarifies that the committee may include “any recommended changes to the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying.” This means that it would be within the next committee’s mandate to recommend stopping the expansion of euthanasia entirely, instead of sticking to a question of system ‘readiness.’
Still work to do
Every member of Parliament on the Joint Committee studying euthanasia agreed that the expansion needed to be delayed, with some saying it should be canceled outright. But there is still a deadline that needs to be addressed. As of March 2027, doctors will still be able to end the lives of patients struggling with a mental illness. Pressure needs to remain on our government to cancel this expansion entirely, not continue to delay it indefinitely.
“As of March 2027, doctors will still be able to end the lives of patients struggling with a mental illness.”
We can never offer suicide assistance and suicide prevention side by side. We need to continue focusing efforts and funding on suicide prevention, mental health supports, and the well-being of every member of society. Take time to reach out to your member of Parliament and ask them to stop the expansion of euthanasia to those who struggle with a mental illness.
