Liberals delay changes to MAiD program until 2027

A controversial plan from the Liberal government to expand assisted dying eligibility to those with a mental illness as their sole underlying condition has been delayed for three more years.

Health Minister Mark Holland announced the changes Thursday morning, saying he agrees with a parliamentary committee’s conclusion that Canada is not ready to see this plan implemented.

The parliamentary committee raised question over how clinicians would be able to tell the difference between someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and requesting an assisted death.

Stan Kutcher, an independent Canadian Senator from Nova Scotia, said the joint committee he sat on failed Canadians.

Kutcher says “the committee failed to respect it’s mandate, failed to accurately represent the weight of witness testimony, and failed to uphold the charter rights of all Canadians.”

READ MORE: Federal government reluctant to expand MAiD eligibility

Those seeking medical assistance in dying (MAiD) have to fall under a very specific criteria which includes factors surrounding age, medical condition and informed consent.

The federal government had received requests from almost all of the provinces and territories, asking for an “indefinite pause” on the expansion.

The CEO of Dying With Dignity Canada, Helen Long, said people struggling with untreatable mental disorders have already waited long enough.

“We were certainly disheartened and discouraged, particularly on that small group of individuals looking to access MAiD under the sole condition of a mental disorder…three years is a very long time and will make it 6 years before this law goes into effect” Long said.

According to Long there are very few Canadians who would even qualify for the MAiD program.

“It affects a very small number” she explained, “in Belgium this has been legal for 20 years it’s a very small number, people who have a long history decades of mental disorder that has not responded to treatment…people who have tried many things and have gotten no relief from their suffering.”

READ MORE: Eligibility for MAiD set to expand in new year for those with mental illness

Long suspects this news is very devastating for those people.

“The last time there were three individuals who did die by suicide following the announcement because they were unable or unwilling to find support…so we’re deeply concerned about that as a possibility yet again.” Long said.

The expansion of the program to patients with mental disorders will be delayed until at least March of 2027.

The opposition says they would support a delay, but has still requested for the expansion to be nixed altogether.

Mental health experts say if you are struggling with mental health and thinking about suicide, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.