Canada
Overview
Canada legalized MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) in 2016 following the Supreme Court ruling in Carter v. Canada. The law was significantly expanded in 2021 (Bill C-7) to create two eligibility tracks, removing the requirement that natural death be reasonably foreseeable.
Canada permits both physician-administered (euthanasia) and self-administered (assisted suicide) forms, though self-administration is rarely used in practice.
Eligibility — Track 1 (Natural Death Reasonably Foreseeable)
- Must be eligible for health services in Canada
- Must be 18 or older and mentally competent
- Must have a serious and incurable illness, disease, or disability
- Must be in an advanced state of irreversible decline
- Must be experiencing enduring physical or psychological suffering that is intolerable
- Minimum 10-day reflection period (waivable if death or loss of capacity is imminent)
Eligibility — Track 2 (Natural Death NOT Reasonably Foreseeable)
- All Track 1 criteria apply
- One of the two assessors must be a specialist in the relevant condition
- Minimum 90-day assessment period
- Must be informed of and have seriously considered all available means to relieve suffering
- Mental illness as the sole underlying condition was under debate; check current federal guidance for latest status
Statistics
- Over 60,000 Canadians have received MAID since legalization
- MAID accounts for approximately 4% of all deaths in Canada
- Cancer is the most common underlying condition (~66%)
- Track 2 cases are a small but growing proportion
Key Organizations & Resources
- Health Canada — canada.ca/maid
- Dying with Dignity Canada — dyingwithdignity.ca
- Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers (CAMAP)
- Canadian Medical Association
Legal Contacts
- Health Canada — Medical Assistance in Dying — The federal government's official MAID information hub, including annual reports, eligibility summaries, and links to provincial contacts. canada.ca (search "MAID")
- Department of Justice Canada — Provides the full text of Bill C-14 and Bill C-7 amendments, and context on the constitutional framework. justice.gc.ca
- Dying with Dignity Canada — The leading national patient-advocacy organisation; provides information, advance-care planning tools, and support for Canadians navigating MAID. dyingwithdignity.ca
Medical Contacts
- Canadian Medical Association (CMA) — Publishes guidelines for physicians on MAID assessment, conscientious objection, and referral obligations. cma.ca
- Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians (CSPCP) — Resource for physicians and patients seeking palliative care alongside or instead of MAID; maintains a provider directory.
- Provincial and Territorial Health Ministries — MAID is delivered through provincial health systems. Contact your province's Ministry of Health for local providers, assessment centres, and wait-time information.
Important: Contact details and eligibility requirements change. Always verify information directly with each organisation before taking any action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access MAID in Canada?
A mentally competent adult (18 or older) eligible for Canadian health services who has a serious and incurable illness, disease, or disability, is in an advanced state of irreversible decline, and experiences intolerable physical or psychological suffering.
What are the two tracks?
Track 1 applies when natural death is reasonably foreseeable (minimum 10-day reflection period, waivable). Track 2 applies when it is not, and adds safeguards including a minimum 90-day assessment period and a specialist assessor.
Does a doctor administer it?
Canada permits both physician-administered MAID (the common method) and self-administered MAID, though self-administration is rarely used.
Is mental illness alone eligible?
This has been the subject of ongoing federal debate and repeated delays. Always check current Health Canada guidance for the latest status.