Opposition parties call for indefinite pause to MAID expansion for mental illness – CBC

Parliament would have to pass new legislation before March 17 to extend delay

Jan 28, 2024

A special parliamentary committee is set to release a report this week that could shape the federal government’s decision on whether to allow those suffering solely from a mental illness to obtain medically assisted deaths.

Conservative and NDP members of the joint committee on medical assistance in dying (MAID) say they want an indefinite pause on the pending expansion of MAID eligibility to include cases of mental illness. That expansion is set to take place on March 17.

“Canada isn’t ready,” said committee member Michael Cooper, Conservative MP for St. Albert—Edmonton.

The committee, made up of 15 MPs and senators, was tasked by the federal government last fall with determining whether the health-care system is prepared for the expansion.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/special-joint-committee-maid-mental-illness-report-1.7095679