Lawmakers in Canada have formed a joint parliamentary committee to examine whether the country’s assisted dying program should include individuals whose sole condition is mental illness.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Canada’s federal government has convened a special parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing whether the country’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program should be expanded to include individuals suffering solely from mental illness.
The Special Joint Parliamentary Committee includes 10 Members of Parliament and five senators who will examine the potential expansion of MAiD and assess its implications before the policy is scheduled to take effect. Details of the committee’s formation were first reported in a report by LifeSite News.
Among the committee’s members is Conservative Member of Parliament Andrew Lawton, who publicly acknowledged his appointment in a statement posted on social media. In a statement shared on X, Lawton said, “I’m honoured to be named to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, which will review the incoming expansion of MAID to people with solely a mental illness and no physical ailments.”
“This expansion comes into force next year unless new legislation is passed,” Lawton added.
Lawton is joined on the committee by other Conservative MPs who have expressed opposition to expanding euthanasia eligibility, including Tamara Jansen and Michael Cooper. At the same time, several members of the panel have been identified as supporters of euthanasia rights, including Senator Kristopher David Wells and Liberal MPs Kristina Tesser Derksen and James Maloney.
Lawton has previously spoken publicly about his own experience with mental health struggles. As previously reported by LifeSiteNews, the lawmaker nearly died in a suicide attempt approximately 15 years ago. He has since launched an initiative focused on encouraging people facing mental health crises to seek help rather than pursue assisted death.
The current debate centers on legislation that has already set the stage for expanding Canada’s assisted dying framework. The inclusion of mental illness as a qualifying condition is scheduled to take effect in 2027 following the passage of Bill C-7.
Several lawmakers have introduced measures aimed at preventing or limiting that expansion. Conservative MP Garnett Genuis proposed legislation intended to strengthen safeguards around assisted dying. His proposal, known as Bill C-260, seeks to amend the Criminal Code to prohibit government officials or other authorities from suggesting euthanasia to individuals unless the person has first requested it.
Another legislative proposal addressing the issue is Bill C-218, which was introduced by Conservative MP Tamara Jansen and passed its first reading in the House of Commons on June 20, 2025. The bill seeks to amend provisions governing medical assistance in dying.
Religious leaders have also weighed in on the debate. Canada’s Catholic bishops have publicly expressed support for legislative efforts that would prevent euthanasia eligibility from being extended to individuals suffering solely from mental illness, according to reporting reported by LifeSiteNews.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has also commented on the issue, publicly acknowledging Lawton’s advocacy regarding mental health and the potential expansion of MAiD. Poilievre praised the lawmaker for sharing his personal story and for drawing attention to legislative proposals aimed at preventing the expansion, according to coverage praised by LifeSiteNews.
Canada first legalized assisted suicide in 2016 under the Liberal government of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Since then, eligibility criteria have expanded through successive legislative changes.
Under current law, euthanasia is permitted for adults who meet specified medical criteria. The program was expanded in 2021 through the passage of Bill C-7, which broadened eligibility from individuals who were terminally ill to those experiencing serious chronic illness.
Advocates have continued to press for additional expansions, including proposals that could eventually allow euthanasia in cases involving newborns, according to reporting reported by LifeSiteNews. At present, however, assisted dying remains prohibited for minors and for individuals whose sole medical condition is mental illness.
The federal government postponed the mental illness expansion after facing opposition from physicians, mental health professionals and several provincial governments. In February 2024 officials announced a delay that moved the planned implementation date to 2027, as reported by LifeSiteNews.
The newly established parliamentary committee is expected to review evidence and testimony related to the policy before the planned expansion takes effect. Its findings could influence whether lawmakers pursue new legislation that alters or blocks the scheduled change to Canada’s assisted dying framework.
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