In March 2021, the Canada’s parliament expanded the euthanasia law by passing Bill C-7. One of the expansions in the law permitted euthanasia for a mental illness alone. but, at that time, the government declared a two-year moratorium to provide time to prepare for the change.
The government has now delayed the implementation of euthanasia for mental illness, as a sole criteria, three times with implementation currently approved for March 17, 2027.
On June 20, 2025, Tamara Jansen (MP – Cloverdale – Langley City) introduced private members Bill C-218 to prevent euthanasia (MAiD) for mental illness as the sole criteria.
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Bill C-218 excludes mental illness from being defined as a “grievous and irremediable medical condition” for the purposes of MAiD. Bill C-218, if passed will prevent MAID for mental illness alone.
Bill C-218 had it’s first hour of debate on December 5, 2025. It’s second hour of debate is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026 with the vote scheduled for Wednesday October 7, 2026.
There are several ways that you can help Bill C-218 be passed:
- Sign the petition in support of Bill C-218 (Link).
- Share your story about living with mental illness, as Andrew Lawton (MP) did with his message: I got better. Support Bill C-218 prevent MAiD for Mental Illness (Link).
- Send your personal stories about living with mental illness to [email protected].
- Contact your Member of Parliament (MP) and share your story and your support for Bill C-218. Contact your Member of Parliament at: (Member of Parliament List).
- It is easier to call your Member of Parliament. The phone number is part of the MP contact information. (Member of Parliament List).
- Refer to the information in the Bill C-218 handout for Members of Parliament (Link).
Remember. The majority of Canadians do not support MAiD for mental illness.
At this point, only an adult with a grievous and irremediable medical condition can seek medical assistance in dying in Canada. An expansion that would cover mental illness is expected to come into place in March 2027. Just over two in five Canadians (42 per cent, down one point) believe mental illness is a good reason for a person to request medical assistance in dying.
To pass, Bill C-218 needs Member of Parliament from all political parties to support it. Keys to speaking to your Member of Parliament:
- Only comment on MAiD for mental illness alone. Bill C-218 only deals with that issue. There are many concerns, but mixing issues weakens your position.
- Contact your Member of Parliament, even if you know his/her position on MAiD.
- Ask others, including groups that you belong to, to contact the Member of Parliament.
More information on Bill C-218.
