Alex SchadenbergExecutive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
The Saskatchewan government is the second government to introduce legislation to prevent the expansion and clarify protections in law concerns euthanasia (MAiD) in their province. On November 9, 2026, The Saskatchewan Health Minister, Jeremy Cockrill introduced Bill 73 The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act.
Alberta Bill 18 - The safeguards for last resort termination of life act passed on April 18, 2026 offering similar protections to Saskatchewan Bill 73.
EPC has stated, over again, that the Canada's federal government controls the Criminal Code while provincial governments control healthcare. Therefore the provinces are able to legislate on this issue.
The Saskatchewan Health Minister may be reacting to the fact that the federal government is not effectively safeguarding medical professionals and individuals with regards to euthanasia.
Bill C41 that was recently introduced by the federal government will prevent euthanasia for people with mental illness, as their sole underlying condition, but expand Canada's euthanasia law by permitting euthanasia by advance request.
The press release from the Saskatchewan Health Ministry stated:
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced legislation that would establish provincial safeguards for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act would prohibit MAID in Saskatchewan for:
- Anyone under the age of 18;
- Anyone whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness; and
- Individuals who lack the capacity to make their own health care decisions.
"Saskatchewan's priority is protecting patients while maintaining a safe, responsible, and compassionate health care system," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "This legislation establishes additional safeguards, particularly around young people, mental illness, and capacity, and strengthens protections for health care professionals who choose not to participate in MAID."
Saskatchewan's legislation also responds to concerns raised by health care providers by strengthening protections for those professionals who choose not to participate in MAID.
While MAID is governed by the federal Criminal Code, provinces are responsible for the delivery of health care and may establish additional safeguards within their health care systems. Saskatchewan's MAID program operates under a centralized model, with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) providing oversight of assessments and provisions across the province.
The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act will help ensure that vulnerable individuals receive appropriate care, treatment and supports while maintaining a safe and responsible MAID program.
Saskatchewan Bill 73 prevent
- euthanasia of minors,
- euthanasia for people who are not competent,
- euthanasia for people with mental illness, as a sole criteria,
- euthanasia by advance request,
- protects conscience rights for medical professionals who oppose euthanasia,
- prevents disciplinary action for medical professionals based on their refusal to provide or assist in euthanasia.
My only concern is that Bill 73 does not define the term assist. The definition of the term assist may exist within other legislation.
The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition is urging more Canadian provinces to bring forth legislation to provide greater oversight of Canada's euthanasia law.
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