Alex SchadenbergExecutive Director,
The Saskatchewan government is the second government to introduce legislation to prevent the expansion and clarify protections in law concerning 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 additional protections concerning euthanasia (MAiD).
EPC has stated many times that the Canada's federal government controls the Criminal Code while provincial governments control healthcare. Therefore the provinces can and should 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 it expands Canada's euthanasia law by permitting euthanasia by advance request. The issue of advance requests is essentially a provincial issue.
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 prevents:
- euthanasia of minors,
- euthanasia for people who are not competent,
- euthanasia for people with mental illness, as a sole criteria,
- 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.
Bravo for Saskatchewan! People can move to SK and AB and feel safer.
ReplyDeleteOur legislative path forward in Canada definitely lies through the Provinces.
ReplyDeleteAs Alex notes in the above article, Federal legislation only removes criminal responsibility from professionals performing medical homicide procedures. But it does nothing (nor may it do anything) to stipulate how (or if) Provinces will integrate that practice in their health systems.
To be perfectly clear on this point: there is no obligation on any Province to allow or to fund medical homicide, within State institutions, or by State-remunerated professionals.