Province launches survey asking for public opinion on medical assistance in dying

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on November 19, 2024.

The province is launching a public engagement campaign to gather opinion and input regarding policy that surrounds medical assistance in dying.

Alberta’s government says it is reviewing how MAID is regulated to ensure there is a consistent process, as well as oversight, that protects vulnerable Albertans, specifically those living with disabilities or suffering from mental health challenges.

“We recognize that medical assistance in dying is a very complex and often personal issue, and is an important, sensitive and emotional matter for patients and their families,” said Mickey Amery, minister of Justice and Attorney General. “It is important to ensure this process has the necessary support to protect the most vulnerable. I encourage Albertans who have experience with, and opinions on, MAID to take this survey.”

An online survey is open until Dec. 20 for Alberta residents to share views and experiences regarding medical assistance in dying. The province will also engage directly with academics, medical associations, public bodies, religious organizations, regulatory bodies, advocacy groups and others in addition to the survey.

This feedback will be used to inform policy moving forward.

One stance the province has taken is to not support the provision of MAID for vulnerable Albertans facing mental illness as their primary condition, with Dan Williams, minister of Mental Health and Addiction, saying the goal is to create a system to allow Albertans to live long and fulfilling lives.

Currently, MAID for those with mental illness as their sole condition has been paused until 2027. Alberta’s government has said it “does not support expanding MAID eligibility to include those facing depression or mental illness, and continue to call on the federal government to end this policy altogether.”

The survey is available at alberta.ca.

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