One Year Until MAID Expands for Mental Illness: What You Need to Know

March 17, 2026 will mark one year until the expansion of medical assistance in dying (“MAID”) to people whose sole underlying medical condition is mental illness (“MAID MD-SUMC”). In February 2024 Parliament passed Bill C-62, which would amend the Criminal Code to allow physicians to perform MAID on those whose only medical condition is mental illness effective next year.

Parliamentary Committee Expressed Concerns

In its most recent, January 2024, report (the “Report”), the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (“AMAD”) reviewed the proposed expansion of MAID MD-SUMC. AMAD identified several areas that require attention before Bill C-62 becomes law. The Report outlined what must be in place before Canada can expand MAID, including:

• clear practice standards,
• training and professional development, and
• oversight

AMAD also highlighted several significant and ongoing concerns about the expansion of MAID MD-SUMC, including:

• the difficulty distinguishing MAID requests from suicidality,
• inadequate safeguards to protect vulnerable groups, and
• a lack of trained medical practitioners.  

Health Canada’s Response

The Department of Health responded to the Report (the “Response”), noting that a Joint Committee of Parliament needed to be established by February 28, 2026 to review the eligibility of MAID MD-SUMC prior to its proposed implementation on March 17, 2027.

According to Health Canada, the delay in Bill C-62 was intended to provide additional preparation time to train practitioners, implement standards and oversight mechanisms, and re-establish AMAD to conduct a comprehensive review of readiness for MAID MD- SUMC. The Response indicated the following consultations would occur in preparation for the March 2027 expansion:

• Ongoing support, training, guidance and resources for practitioners assessing complex MAID cases, including those involving mental illness;
• Engagement of First Nations, Inuit and Metis populations, as well as other key stakeholder groups;
• Further work to explore models of case review and quality improvement in MAID delivery; and
• Undertake research that will provide insights into the reasons why people seek MAID and the views and experiences of MAID among key populations.

During the current session of Parliament, AMAD has not conducted any studies or activities, nor published any reports or issued any news releases.

Concerns over MAID Expansion

CCCC has previously published blogs and developed resources for Members to understand why the rapid expansion of MAID including for MD-SUMC is so troubling.

Data from Statistics Canada shows that 10.4% of Canadians over the age of 15 years have experienced a mental health-related disability. Canadians accessing mental health care face long wait times and stigma when seeking support. The prevalence of mental disorders is increasing, with over 5 million Canadians meeting diagnostic criteria for mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders in 2022.  

At the same time, MAID is increasing in Canada. Health Canada’s 2025 Annual Report on MAID in Canada reports that 16,499 people received MAID in 2024. Approximately half of those who died by MAID reported asking for MAID because they felt like a burden to their families, friends, or caregivers. In 2022, Quebec surpassed the Netherlands in the highest number of deaths per capita due to MAID.

International Criticism

Canada has faced harsh criticism from the United Nations regarding the expansion of MAID to those with mental illnesses and for mature minors.  In the Concluding observations on the combined second and third periodic reports of Canada, the UN:

• Called on Canada to repeal Track 2 MAID for those whose deaths are not reasonably foreseeable
• Objected to expansion for mental illness
• Objected to expansion for mature minors
• Objected to expansion to advance directives
• Urged Canada to establish an oversight mechanism for independent monitoring and to handle complaints

The UN report further identified the need for Canada to invest in and implement comprehensive measures to address systemic factors relating to social detriments of health, including poverty relief, homelessness prevention, and community-based mental health support.

CCCC Advocacy

CCCC continues to advocate against the expansion of MAID, and has been granted status as an intervenor in court case about whether religious healthcare institutions are obliged to euthanize patients.  CCCC is joined by other organizations in combatting the expansion of MAID by supporting the dignity for all and the protection of the vulnerable.

CCCC is encouraged by Bill C-218, a private member’s Bill which would amend the Criminal Code to expressly exclude a mental disorder from a “grievous and irremediable medical condition” and prohibit the expansion of MAID MD-SUMC.

What You Can Do

If you or your organization are concerned with the expansion of MAID MD-SUMC, our friends at EFC have created resources to help explain the importance of Bill C-218 and how to speak to your MP about the dangers of ongoing MAID expansion.

We’re Here to Help

If you have questions or would like support, please contact our Member Support Team by phone or email.