An Update on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada – Help Not Harm

We are grateful to all those who, over the last number of months, reached out to their elected Member of Parliament to respectfully ask their support of Bill C-218. The private member’s bill would have amended existing laws in Canada to ensure medical assistance in dying (MAiD) will not be extended to those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness.

On October 7, 2026, Members of Parliament defeated Bill C-218, by a vote of 187-141 at second reading.

However, that same day, prior to the vote on Bill C-218, the federal government announced that it intends to introduce legislation this fall to exclude mental illness (as a sole underlying condition) for MAiD indefinitely. We welcome this commitment as an encouraging step toward protecting vulnerable Canadians.

Our work must continue. An announcement does not change the law, and legislation must be passed before the current exclusion expires on March 17, 2027. The government also announced plans to permit advance requests for MAiD, raising additional concerns that will require careful examination when the proposed legislation is available.

We believe that any form of MAiD contravenes our belief that every life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death. Please continue to respectfully urge your Member of Parliament to ensure that the commitment to exclude mental illness alone from MAiD eligibility becomes law, and to prioritize access to mental health care, suicide prevention and recovery supports. We also call upon our elected officials to halt any further expansion of MAiD in our country and to separate mental health exclusions from advance requests for MAiD in future legislation.

Thank you for your advocacy, prayers and commitment to the dignity of every person. Together, we will continue to call for help, hope and compassionate care for those who are suffering.