Minister to Commence Discussions on Advanced Requests for Assisted Dying

October 28, 2024 TruthUSA

Health Minister Mark Holland announces that the federal government will initiate discussions regarding advanced requests for accessing medical assistance in dying.

Despite this, Holland emphasizes that such requests remain illegal under the Criminal Code, even as Quebec moves forward with allowing the practice starting Wednesday.

Quebec recently revealed that individuals facing conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease will have the opportunity to request assisted dying before their mental capacity diminishes.

The Quebec government has urged the Crown prosecutor’s office not to press charges against doctors who comply with the provincial law.

While Holland acknowledges that he does not have the authority to dictate provincial prosecutions, the fulfillment of advance requests for MAID will continue to be unlawful.

The health minister also discloses that the government will conduct a series of consultations on the matter in November, involving health professionals and provincial as well as territorial officials.