Canadian Ministers to Outline Next Steps on Medical Assistance in Dying Laws
Justice Minister Sean Fraser and Health Minister Marjorie Michel will hold a media availability on October 7, 2026, to discuss the government's plans for Canada's medical assistance in dying laws ahead of a potential eligibility expansion in March 2027.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser and Health Minister Marjorie Michel are scheduled to hold a media availability on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET in Ottawa. The event, taking place on the second floor of the West Block of the House of Commons, will outline the Government of Canada's next steps regarding the country's medical assistance in dying (MAID) laws.
The announcement follows an 88-page report released in June 2026 by a special parliamentary committee. That report recommended that the federal government indefinitely exclude individuals whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness from applying for MAID.
Under current law, unless the government intervenes legislatively, MAID eligibility is set to expand in March 2027 to cover those suffering solely from a mental illness. The federal government has already delayed this expansion twice. Those delays occurred after the Superior Court of Quebec struck down the original 2016 legislation for being too limiting, creating legal uncertainty around the timeline for any future expansion.
A private member's bill currently before the House of Commons would exclude those suffering solely from a mental illness from applying for MAID. However, Justice Minister Fraser has not indicated whether the government plans to support the existing private member's bill or introduce new legislation.
Alongside the legislative debate, there is a pressing need identified for increased and more equitable access to adequate mental health services across the country. For those in need of immediate support, the Suicide Crisis Helpline can be reached by dialing 988, and Kids Help Phone is available at 1-800-668-6868.