TORONTO, ON — October 28, 2026 — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) reiterates its concerns about the federal government’s decision to permanently exclude people from accessing medical assistance in dying (MAiD) on the basis of mental illness. The introduction of Bill C-41 entrenches this blanket exclusion, raising serious concerns about equality, autonomy, and the rights of people living with mental illness.
“It is critical that MAiD eligibility is assessed carefully with appropriate safeguards to ensure the protection of vulnerable persons, and those without access to adequate social supports,” said Howard Sapers, Executive Director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. “Parliament must ensure that safeguards protect vulnerable people without compromising the equal rights and dignity of others.”
“The blanket exclusion of individuals with mental illness from MAiD eligibility is overbroad and is discriminatory. People living with mental illness are entitled to equal protection of their rights and dignity,” said Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at CCLA. “Rather than permanently excluding an entire group based on their disability, Parliament must carefully examine the Charter implications of this legislation, consider the perspectives of people with lived experience, and ensure that safeguards are grounded in evidence and respect for individual rights and autonomy.”
CCLA urges Parliament to ensure that Bill C-41 receives thorough scrutiny and full committee study, including careful consideration of its implications for Charter-protected rights and freedoms.
