Canada's justice and health ministers are set to outline a proposed change to medical assistance in dying (MAID) that would let some adults consent before an incurable illness removes their ability to decide.
The Department of Justice Canada said safeguards would accompany the advance-consent option. It is intended for adults whose incurable illness is expected to leave them unable to make a MAID decision later. The advisory ties the planned update to the federal government's earlier commitment not to extend eligibility on the basis of mental illness.
Canada's Minister of Justice and Attorney General Sean Fraser and Minister of Health Marjorie Michel are scheduled to hold a media availability Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET at Ottawa's National Press Theatre.
Government officials also plan a virtual technical briefing on the bill from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. ET Tuesday. Accredited members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery may attend. Other media representatives can contact the Gallery to seek temporary access, the advisory said.
