Conservatives demand a permanent halt to the expansion of medical assistance in dying for psychiatric patients

Ottawa —
Conservative members of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying welcomed the recommendation to halt the planned expansion of the program in cases where mental illness is the only underlying medical condition.

The Conservatives called on the Liberal government to support Bill C-218, which aims to amend the Criminal Code and permanently cancel the planned expansion.

Party members said they opposed this expansion from the start, considering that proceeding with it poses a risk to vulnerable groups who need treatment, support, and protection, not to be offered medical assistance in dying as an alternative to care.

They pointed out that the Liberal government had previously been forced to postpone the expansion twice through emergency legislation, stressing that postponement is no longer sufficient and that a permanent cancellation is required.

The Conservatives also called for strengthening federal oversight of the medical assistance in dying program, establishing clearer national standards, updating training and guidelines, and reviewing the effectiveness and applicability of current safeguards.

The party confirmed its readiness to work with the government to support a legislative path that permanently stops the expansion, emphasizing that vulnerable Canadians deserve care, hope, and protection before any irreversible option.