Canadian government will discuss euthanasia by advanced request.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

The Canadian government will launch a consultation on expanding Canada's (MAiD) euthanasia law to permit euthanasia by advanced request. 

David Baxter reported for the Associated Press on October 28 that Canada's Health Minister, Mark Holland, made the announcement on October 28.

Baxter explained that the Québec government announced that, starting on October 30, they will permit advanced requests for euthanasia to enable people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease to request euthanasia while the person is still competent. Euthanasia by advanced request is not permitted in Canada's euthanasia law.

Health Minister Mark Holland

Baxter reported Holland as stating:

“What we’re saying very clearly is that this is an incredibly difficult issue, that we need to take the time to have a national conversation that includes our provincial and territorial colleagues, that where these lines are drawn and whether or not the system is ready is a very important step,” Holland said at a press conference on Parliament Hill on Monday.

“This continues to be illegal in this country, that if you act on an advance request, the Criminal Code is very clear that that is not legal.”

The Quebéc government announced on September 7 that they had asked the provincial Crown prosecutor’s office to not pursue charges against doctors as long as they comply with the provincial law. Euthanasia by advanced request changes the requirement of consent.

Canada's euthanasia law requires that a person be capable of consenting to euthanasia when the doctors or nurse practitioners approve the death. The Québec government will enable someone to state, in advance, their wish to die and then it would be legally carried out at a later date, even if the person has become incompetent.