Skip to content

Federal government holds medical assistance in dying consultations

North Island-Powell River MP wants to hear people’s experiences and concerns
North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney
North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney. Contributed photo

Over the next two weeks, the government of Canada is holding consultations on amendments to the country’s current medical assistance in dying (MAiD) regulations. The consultation and timeline comes as a result of a Quebec Supreme Court decision that found the existing law too restrictive.

North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney said she remembers how important this was to her constituents when the law was first introduced in 2016.

“When MAiD first came up for debate in the House of Commons, there were many constituents that contacted my office,” said Blaney. “This is a subject close to heart for a lot of people in this riding, and I don't want them to miss out on this opportunity to provide input into any coming changes.”

Three primary topics are up for debate during these consultations: mature minors, advance consent and mental illness without physical illness.

“I would like to hear about people’s experiences in our riding so I can bring these concerns into the House of Commons and make the best possible changes to prevent excessive suffering and to keep people safe,” said Blaney.

Feedback can be submitted directly to the Department of Justice through an online questionnaire at justice.gc.ca/eng/cons/ad-am/index.html and through Blaney’s office at rachel.blaney@parl.gc.ca, or by phone at 1.800.667.8404.

The consultations are open online until January 27 at 11:59 pm.