The Canadian government has announced its decision to continue excluding individuals suffering solely from mental illness from seeking assisted death, according to a statement made on Monday (Jan 29). This determination follows the findings of a parliamentary committee, which concluded that the country’s healthcare system is not adequately prepared for such an inclusion.
Health Minister Mark Holland, addressing reporters in Ottawa, mentioned that the government will introduce legislation in the coming days, specifying details such as the duration of this exclusion. The decision aligns with the joint committee’s assessment that additional time is required to address the complexities associated with allowing assisted death for those with mental health issues.
Canada legalized assisted death in 2016 for individuals with terminal illnesses and expanded eligibility in 2021 to include those with incurable but not necessarily terminal conditions. However, legislation was introduced to temporarily exclude individuals whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. Originally set to expire on March 17, this exclusion, already extended once, is subject to further extension.
Health Minister Mark Holland emphasized the need for additional time, stating that while the March deadline is not a barrier, swift action is required to extend the exclusion. He explained that the delay is necessary for training individuals on established guidelines, as provinces and territories have indicated that their systems are not yet ready.
Despite having the curriculum and guidelines in place, the lack of sufficient training time has been cited as a challenge. Provinces and territories have expressed the need for additional time to ensure readiness for such a significant policy shift.
Proponents of assisted death argue that it is a matter of personal autonomy, while some psychiatrists raise concerns about determining the “irremediable” nature of a mental illness. Opposition parties in Canada have advocated for an indefinite pause on including mental illness cases under Canada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) law, asserting that the healthcare system is unprepared for such an expansion. If the exclusion were lifted, Canada would become one of only six countries where individuals suffering solely from mental illness, not near natural death, could seek assistance in dying from a doctor.