Mar 17, 2026
More Opportunities to Advocate for Life
Parliament continues to discuss euthanasia for mental illness. And Canadians have two important opportunities to engage on the issue.
Bill C-218
Bill C-218, which would repeal the upcoming expansion of euthanasia to mental illness, is nearing 2nd reading debate and vote.
To date, tens of thousands of CareNotKill flyers have been delivered to raise awareness about this issue in communities across the country and to emphasize the need to care for, not kill, those who are suffering from mental illness.
We hope and pray that Bill C-218 will pass 2nd reading and go to Committee for further study. At Committee, various witnesses, including medical experts, can once again explain the many problems with offering euthanasia to people with mental illness.
AMAD Committee
Bill C-218’s trajectory overlaps with another committee that will review euthanasia legislation. When the government, back in 2024, delayed euthanasia for mental illness to March 17, 2027, it prescribed the following review by 2026:
- A Joint Committee of the House of Commons and Senate would comprehensively review the eligibility for euthanasia of persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness.
- That Committee would begin its review by the end of February, 2026.
- That Committee’s report to Parliament could include any recommended changes relating to euthanasia.
The Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (AMAD) consists of both MPs and Senators and held its first meeting on March 10, 2026. It will hear from a variety of witnesses who have expertise or experience related to mental illness. Although the scope of the review could be broader, it will likely focus primarily on euthanasia and mental illness.
What Can You Do?
Here’s how you can help. If you or a loved one have a story related to mental illness or recovery from it, please consider sharing it. The AMAD committee will benefit from hearing personal examples of the need to care for people with mental illness. You will be able to share your written story directly with the Committee, or you can send it to [email protected] for feedback and recommendations on how best to use it. If Bill C-218 makes it past 2nd reading, these stories can also be used in the committee’s review of that bill.
