A bill has been introduced in the House of Commons to introduce legislation that would delay the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (#MAID) ‘s eligibility requirements—particularly for people with mental illness as their only underlying condition— to March 2024. Read the government’s press release here.

We empathize that for people with mental illness who have been wanting to apply for MAID, the possible passing of this bill will come as a huge disappointment. We feel for those who are not currently able to apply for MAiD but wish to do so. We also strongly advocate for comprehensive and holistic supports and safeguards that can provide greater access to necessary treatments and access to services that reduce poverty and increase  quality of life. No one should feel that their only choice is MAiD due to poor societal conditions alone. 

If this bill is passed, we hope that over the course of the next year, actionable work on clarifying eligibility criteria can be informed by the input of those most impacted.

DABC was one of the over 50 disability/human rights organizations that signed on to this letter regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (#MAiD) that was sent to The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and federal party leaders.

DABC will not, under any circumstance, recommend Medical Assistance in Dying as an alternative to necessary supports and services.

The above sign is displayed at the DABC office and we encourage other disability organizations to follow suit and post their own statements. This is an initiative started by BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS).