Several Conservative MPs are calling for the Liberal government to delay the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) "before it's too late.".“From the beginning, Conservatives have raised serious concerns about the risks posed to Canadians by the Liberal government’s flawed MAiD legislation," said a statement released on Friday.."Instead of listening to persons with disabilities and advocates for vulnerable Canadians, the Liberal government has sidestepped them at every turn and pushed their flawed legislation through the process with the help of their NDP-coalition partners..The statement was released by Conservative Shadow Minister for Democratic Reform Michael Cooper, Shadow Minister for Health Stephen Ellis, and associate Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Dominique Vien. .Beginning March 17, 2023, MAiD will be expanded to Canadians whose only medical condition is suffering from a mental illness. The MPs pointed out in their statement the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada, which includes heads of psychiatry departments at all 17 medical schools, called for MAiD's expansion to be delayed.."Further time is required to increase awareness of this change and establish guidelines and standards to which clinicians, patients and the public can turn to for more education and information," said Dr. Valerie Taylor, who heads the group..The Conservative MPs said that life-or-death legislation deserves "thorough review and consultation to ensure the most vulnerable people are protected.".They also slammed the Liberal government for failing to fund a Canada Mental Health Transfer, despite it being in their election platform in 2021.."The Liberal government continues to leave Canadians struggling with mental illness behind. Conservatives are calling for the Liberal government to delay this reckless expansion before it is too late. The well-being of far too many Canadians depends on this.".A recent statement from Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Canada is committed to implementing MAiD for those with a mental disorder by "keeping their safety and security at the forefront."."We will continue to listen to the experts, including those at the front lines and those with lived experience, and collaborate with our provincial and territorial counterparts to ensure a strong framework is in place to guide MAiD assessors and providers before MAiD becomes available to those for whom mental disorders is the sole underlying condition," he said..Duclos' office did not say whether the implementation expected in March would be delayed.
