The federal government has tabled legislation delaying the expansion of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program, to people with mental illness by three years.
Health Minister Mark Holland and Justice Minister Arif Virani said that the delay to 2027 was introduced to allow time for a parliamentary review to take place.
A review to assess its state of readiness will take place in two years, they said.
The delay is in response to MPs and Senators on a special committee stating that Canada is not prepared to proceed with the expansion of the MAID program, following an examination of it.
“We agree with the conclusion that the committee has come to that the system is, at this time, not ready and more time is required,” Holland told reporters.
Holland responded to the committee by promising new legislation from the Trudeau government to address those concerns, calling for an indefinite delay of MAID for mental illness.
“The legislative time frame is tight. We recognize that. This has to be done in advance of (March 17),” he added. “I don’t see the timeline being a barrier but we do need to move expeditiously.”
Holland responded to the committee by promising new legislation from the Trudeau government to address those concerns, calling for an indefinite delay of MAID for mental illness.
The Conservatives are supportive of the delay but think the eligibility expansion should be scrapped altogether.
MAID is currently scheduled to allow patients with mental illness to qualify as of March 17.
