Liberals delay expansion of assisted dying eligibility until 2027

The Liberal government has delayed the Medical Assistance in Dying program until 2027 for people whose only illness is mental illness.

Health Minister Mark Holland introduced the Bill in this regard in the House of Commons this morning.

Holland said this would give the parliamentary committee another two years to assess whether the health system is ready for this.

Holland and Justice Minister Arif Virani said they agree with a recent parliamentary committee report that Canada's medical experts are not yet ready.

The current deadline for the implementation of the Medical Assistance in Dying Program for the mentally ill was March 17, which has now been postponed to March 2027.

It is worth mentioning that the government formed a special committee of 15 MPs and senators last year regarding the expansion of this program, which issued a report on Monday after hearing dozens of witnesses and concluded that it will not be appropriate to apply to people suffering from mental health.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is opposed to the expansion, saying mental health sufferers need help and care, not death.