Alberta Moves to Restrict Medically Assisted Dying to End-of-Life Cases

Alberta has introduced a bill to restrict medically assisted dying (MAID) exclusively to end-of-life situations-making it the first Canadian province to push back against federal expansion of the program.

Premier Danielle Smith said MAID should only apply to those with no hope of recovery. The legislation would prohibit doctors from initiating MAID discussions with patients, ban its promotion in healthcare settings, and strengthen conscience protections for providers.

Canada legalized MAID in 2016 for terminal illnesses and expanded it in 2021 to include non-terminal but incurable conditions. A planned 2025 expansion to cover mental illness alone has been delayed twice.

Supporters like Inclusion Canada and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Alberta division welcomed the move, arguing it shields vulnerable people. Critics, including Dying with Dignity Canada, call it an unconstitutional overreach that undermines patient autonomy.