Health Minister Mark Holland has announced that the federal government will be initiating consultations regarding advanced requests for accessing medical assistance in dying.
Despite Quebec’s imminent legalization of the practice, Holland emphasized that such requests remain illegal under the Criminal Code.
Quebec’s recent decision permits individuals with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to request assisted dying before experiencing a decline in mental capacity.
The Quebec government has instructed the Crown prosecutor’s office not to pursue charges against doctors who comply with the provincial law.
Although Holland stated that he does not have the authority to dictate provincial prosecutions, fulfilling advance requests for MAID will continue to be prohibited.
The health minister also revealed plans for a series of consultations on the subject in November, involving health professionals, as well as provincial and territorial officials.
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The consultations are set to conclude by the end of January 2025, with a final report anticipated in the spring.
