Canada suspends plans to expand assisted dying to people with mental illness
People with mental illness alone were to be eligible for assisted dying in Canada in March 2027, but that has now been paused indefinitely.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""While there is not a perfect consensus on this issue, we believe this is the correct approach at this particular time.""
— Sean Fraser , Politician
""We anticipate that a very small number of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness would be eligible for Maid under this criterion, but their suffering is no less real than those who live with physical illnesses.""
— Helen Long , Activist
""When I hear that there is a lack of consensus in the medical community about the irremediable nature of certain mental illnesses, that gives me real cause for concern.""
— Sean Fraser , Politician
""People will continue to suffer intolerably while the case goes through the courts.""
— Michael Fenrick , Activist
Key People
Claire Brosseau is a woman with treatment resistant bipolar 1 disorder involved in a federal case challenging Canada's assisted dying laws.
Helen Long is the CEO of the advocacy group Dying with Dignity.
Michael Fenrick is the lawyer representing Claire Brosseau in a case challenging Canada's assisted dying laws.
Justice Minister focused on protecting kids through new legislation.
Locations
All Coverage
People with mental illness alone were to be eligible for assisted dying in Canada in March 2027, but that has now been paused indefinitely.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Coroner warns of risk of future deaths at mental health unit where patient was killed
Hugo Flint-Cahan, 34, was fatally attacked by Rolando Torres-Pena, 22, at a mental health trust in east London.
October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM'Life-saving' charity for mums faces closing support
The charity recently lost out on a bid for funding and now might have to close its waiting list.
October 6, 2026 at 05:20 AMTexas carries out first US execution since Christa Pike's botched lethal injections
Lawyers for Jamaal Howard had asked a judge to pause the execution after Christa Pike's botched lethal injections.
October 8, 2026 at 03:02 AMUS murderer Christa Pike discharged from hospital 10 days after failed execution
Pike's lawyers say she is "grateful" to the medical team who cared for her after she survived two lethal injections last month.
October 10, 2026 at 05:44 PMUS resident arrested in connection with deadly British Columbia school shooting
US authorities say the 30-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country. Six children died in the attack.
October 6, 2026 at 07:49 PMUS arrests person in connection to Canada school shooting, officials say - Reuters
US arrests person in connection to Canada school shooting, officials say Reuters
October 6, 2026 at 09:01 PM