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Medical assistance in dying engagement

Albertans shared feedback on the processes for and oversight of medical assistance in dying in Alberta.

Overview

We gathered feedback on the medical assistance in dying (also referred to as MAID) processes and regulation in Alberta. This was done to ensure they are consistent and that there is enough oversight in place to protect vulnerable Albertans.

Medical assistance in dying is a complex and often personal issue. Albertans shared their experience with and thoughts on medical assistance in dying in Alberta, including the following possible changes to processes, procedures, oversight, and protections:

  • the creation of a new public agency and legislation to provide oversight
  • the creation of a MAID decision dispute mechanism for families and eligible others
  • a framework for appropriate sharing of confidential medical information related to MAID determinations
  • limitations on criteria for MAID eligibility and on MAID as an option for patients

Status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction

Get informed

Medical assistance in dying is a process that allows someone who is found eligible to receive assistance from a medical practitioner in ending their life.

The federal Criminal Code sets out the eligibility criteria for medical assistance in dying. Assisted dying may take place only under specific circumstances and rules. Eligibility includes a requirement that the person is suffering from a serious and permanent medical condition.

The Government of Canada temporarily paused their expansion of medical assistance in dying eligibility to include people facing depression or mental illness eligibility until March 2027, to ensure provincial health care systems have processes and supports in place.

Input received

We conducted an online survey from November 18 to December 20, 2024, to allow Albertans to share their thoughts on processes for and oversight of medical assistance in dying in Alberta.

We also engaged directly with specific external organizations and individuals, including academics, medical professionals, public bodies, regulatory bodies, religious organizations and others with an interest in or working link to the medical assistance in dying process, health care, disabilities and mental health care.

Outcomes

Your feedback will help inform the Alberta government’s planning and policy decision making, including potential legislative changes to medical assistance in dying in Alberta.

News

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