Quebec medical help in dying law won't be challenged by Ottawa
The province has also requested that the Crown prosecutor’s office refrain from charging doctors who follow the provincial law.
Health Minister Mark Holland announced that the federal government will begin consultations on the issue of advanced requests for medical assistance in dying (MAID).
Holland clarified that such requests remain illegal under the Criminal Code, even as Quebec is set to permit the practice starting Wednesday.
Last week, Quebec stated that individuals with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s could make a request for assisted dying before their cognitive abilities decline.
The province has also requested that the Crown prosecutor’s office refrain from charging doctors who follow the provincial law.
While Holland noted that he cannot influence provincial prosecutions, he emphasized that fulfilling advance requests for MAID remains illegal.
The federal government will begin consultations on this issue in November, engaging health professionals and officials from provinces and territories.
These consultations are expected to conclude by the end of January 2025, with a final report anticipated in the spring.
