Bill coming in ‘days’ on plans for assisted dying expansion delay: minister
Global News
Health Minister Mark Holland says the medical assistance in dying expansion will happen, even as most provinces and territories call for an indefinite pause.
Health Minister Mark Holland says he plans to table legislation “in a couple days time” that will lay out more clearly the federal government’s plans on the timing of the expansion for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) to cover people whose sole condition is mental illness.
That comes as provinces and territories have asked the federal government for an indefinite pause on the controversial expansion that was set to take place in March, but was delayed for a second time on Monday following warnings from a parliamentary committee report.
“The policy intention, as I said, is to make sure that we take the time necessary to get this right,” Holland said on his way into the cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning.
“In a few days’ time, once the legislation is tabled, we can have a detailed discussion on what time is necessary.”
On Monday, Holland announced a pause on the planned expansion of MAiD that had been set to happen this spring for people with a mental health condition being the sole reason for seeking assisted dying.
That comes after then-justice minister David Lametti had already paused the expansion last year until March 2024. Any further delay needs to have accompanying legislation.
Most provinces and territories are asking for an indefinite pause to the expansion.
Health and mental health ministers from all three territories and the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and B.C. asked Holland in a letter on Monday to give them more time to collaborate.
