After reviewing the case, the Expert Panel on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) and Mental Illness submitted its recommendations to the Government of Canada.

Effective March 17, 2021, the new MAID law no longer requires natural death to be reasonably foreseeable to be eligible for MAID. However, the law provides a time limit for the government to look into cases of mental illness.

“As Minister for Mental Health, I know it is my responsibility to ensure that the government moves forward with MAID for people with mental disorders in a way that is consistent to the goals of autonomy, fairness and respect,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett.

At the end of its study, the Group of Experts produced a report which presents 19 recommendations in order to ensure that "a MA regimen which takes into account situations linked to incurability, irreversibility, capacity individual, suicidal nature and the impact of structural vulnerabilities” be put in place.

"The recommendations from this report have been formulated taking into account many complex clinical and legal considerations to ensure that the assessments are conducted in a safe and compassionate manner," said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

For his part, the Minister of Justice, David Lametti, insisted on recalling that the government ensures that the laws it passes protect all Canadians.

"Studying the issues around MAID and mental disorders and making recommendations on how we can safely offer this help to people who want it is not an easy task," he said. -he adds.