Euthanasia for the mentally ill in Canada — as the sole condition for application — was legalised 2021, with an implementation date for 17 March 2023.
There has been a strong public outcry, especially after it was discovered that military veterans with PTSD were offered Medical Assistance in Dying: a.k.a. “Voluntary” Euthanasia.
Just before the parliamentary Christmas break, David Lametti, Minister of Justice announced that he would table legislation to delay the implementation of this extension of the MAiD program so they can review the safety criteria:
“Right now, we want all Canadians to know, especially those exempted by the current exemption of eligibility from MAID, that we plan to take this next step. This is a top priority for our government. And we want to reassure Canadians that we are committed to ensuring that our laws protect everyone while supporting the autonomy and freedom of choice that are central to Canada’s MAID regime.”
It was reported by the National Post that “Lametti sought to reassure Canadians that, when the expansion will be in place, only a small portion of people suffering solely from a mental disorder seeking MAID will be able to get it. People who are depressed or who are thinking of committing suicide will not be able to get the procedure.”
MAiD has been offered to the poor and those who cannot access medical care in a timely fashion. The introduction of MAiD for Mental Illnesses alone has been a shambles from the outset and is looking very much like a eugenics program.
Parliament will have ~4 weeks to table, read, debate and pass the legislation delaying the forthcoming March implementation date. Much of this is uncertain. We do not know for how long this extension will be delayed, if at all.
Having seen Canada throw itself over the moral precipice for the past 7 years, I am pessimistic about the final outcome. That said, we should thank the Lord for this wonderful Christmas gift — please pray for a good result!
A Happy and Holy Christmas to all CA readers!
Kevin Hay