Province proposes stricter eligibility
Alberta has proposed new legislation that would limit assisted dying rules to end-of-life circumstances only, marking a significant shift from broader federal access.
The bill would restrict medically assisted dying (Maid) to patients with no hope of recovery, reversing wider eligibility introduced across Canada in recent years.
Shift from expanded national framework
In 2021, Canada expanded access to assisted dying to include people with serious and incurable conditions, even if death was not reasonably foreseeable.
Further expansion to include mental illness as a sole condition has been planned but delayed twice.
Alberta is now the first province to move independently to tighten access.
Premier cites need to protect vulnerable groups
Premier Danielle Smith said the proposed changes aim to safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly those with mental illness or disabilities.
“Those struggling with severe mental health challenges need treatment, compassion, and support, not a path to end their life at what may be their lowest moment,” she said.
New restrictions on doctors and advertising
The proposed law would prevent doctors from raising assisted dying as an option with patients and ban related advertising in healthcare settings.
It also includes protections for healthcare professionals who object to participating in assisted dying.
Ongoing national debate over assisted dying
While public support for assisted dying remains strong in Canada, the programme’s expansion has sparked debate over safeguards and ethical concerns.
Medically assisted deaths account for around 5% of all deaths in Canada, with most involving patients whose death is considered reasonably foreseeable.
Support and criticism of proposed law
The proposal has been welcomed by some advocacy groups. Inclusion Canada said it demonstrates that governments can better protect people whose lives are not nearing an end.
Mental health advocates also supported the move, arguing recovery from mental illness is possible and should be prioritised.
However, critics say the legislation limits patient autonomy. Dying with Dignity Canada described it as an attempt to restrict access and create additional barriers for those seeking assisted dying.
Federal framework remains in place
Although eligibility for assisted dying is set at the federal level, provinces oversee healthcare delivery and regulation.
To qualify, patients must be adults with a serious and incurable illness, make a voluntary request and be assessed by two independent medical professionals.
The proposed changes in Alberta could reignite national debate over the future of assisted dying laws in Canada.
Source: BBC
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