On February 2, 2023 the federal government introduced legislation to delay MAiD for people whose sole medical condition is mental illness. CAMH issues the following statement in response:
CAMH welcomes the federal government’s legislation to delay MAiD for people whose sole medical condition is mental illness until March 2024. We have remained steadfast in our concern about the significant lack of consensus on this issue. Before eligibility for MAiD is extended to people whose sole medical condition is mental illness there must be thoughtful and inclusive discussions to develop consensus definitions of irremediableness and separation of MAiD from suicidality, and to develop additional safeguards and practice standards. People with mental illness and their families must be part of these discussions. We also need all governments to urgently invest meaningfully in equitable mental health care and supports for all. CAMH looks forward to continuing to engage in these critically important conversations.