By Canadian Press

Expert says government decision to delay MAID expansion not necessary

Dec 16, 2022 | 11:04 AM

OTTAWA — The chair of a federal expert panel on medically assisted death is questioning what the government is hoping to accomplish by delaying the expansion of the assisted-dying regime.

Dr. Mona Gupta says the federal government has already followed through with its commitment to study the expansion that will allow people whose sole underlying condition is a mental disorder to seek a medically assisted death. 

The expert panel determined the proper safeguards are in place for the change to happen on March 17, and Gupta says a further delay is not necessary.

Justice Minister David Lametti made the announcement late Thursday, saying the government is listening to concerns the health care system might not be prepared to handle complex cases involving mental disorders. 

The Liberals plan to introduce new legislation in the House of Commons once Parliament resumes in late January.

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It’s not clear how long the delay will be, but Lametti says the government is not backing away from the plan to expand the program because the Supreme Court has made it clear Canadians have a right to medical assistance in dying. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2022

The Canadian Press