Justice Minister Sean Fraser has revealed that the Liberal government will disclose its proposed course of action for medical assistance in dying on Wednesday. Following a report from a special parliamentary committee in June that suggested excluding individuals with only a mental illness from seeking MAID, the government has not yet outlined its strategy. Fraser expressed confidence in considering various perspectives during the policy development process and stated that the next steps would be shared the following day.
The government has postponed expanding MAID, including individuals solely dealing with mental illness, on two occasions. This delay came after the Superior Court of Quebec invalidated the government’s initial 2016 legislation for being too restrictive. If no action is taken, MAID will encompass mental illness starting in March next year.
Fraser acknowledged the importance of patience in addressing this significant issue and emphasized the need to approach it diligently. The 88-page report, which followed consultations with expert witnesses, highlighted the necessity for enhanced and fairer access to mental health services. The committee noted conflicting opinions on whether Canada is prepared to extend MAID eligibility to those with mental health conditions.
Currently, a private member’s bill proposing the exclusion of individuals with only mental illness from MAID is under consideration in the House. Fraser did not specify whether the government would support this bill or introduce a new one when questioned.
For those in need of support, resources such as the Suicide Crisis Helpline, provincial mental health assistance, Kids Help Phone, and a guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health on discussing suicide are available.