The Justice Minister, Sean Fraser, announced on Wednesday that the federal government plans to introduce legislation this autumn to extend the ban on medically assisted death for individuals solely suffering from mental illness indefinitely. Fraser stated that Canada has decided not to proceed with the proposed expansion in the Criminal Code concerning medical assistance in dying for those with mental illness as the sole reason.
Fraser emphasized that the government’s decision aligns with the recommendations outlined in a special parliamentary committee report released in June and the findings of his department’s investigation into the matter. While acknowledging that there is no unanimous agreement on the issue, Fraser affirmed that the current approach is deemed appropriate.
The forthcoming legislation will also enable individuals to provide advance consent for their own medically assisted death in cases where their illness will eventually deprive them of decision-making capacity. The specific requirements for advance consent, such as having an incurable illness causing intolerable suffering, will be deliberated in House of Commons committees.
Further details on this development are expected in the near future.
