Ministers Comment on Possible MAID Expansion Delay – January 29, 2024

On Parliament Hill, Health Minister Mark Holland and Justice Minister Arif Virani discuss a possible delay in expanding medically assistance in dying (MAID) eligibility. A joint parliamentary committee has tabled a report that concludes Canada's health-care system is not prepared for medical assistance in dying where mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition. Holland says the federal government agrees with the report and will be tabling a parliamentary response in the coming days. MAID provisions to cover mental illness are scheduled to go into effect on March 17, 2024. In February 2023, the government announced it would delay MAID expansion for people with mental illness following widespread concerns. (no interpretation)