Medical Assistance in Dying Act (Bill C-14)

2016-06-06

(Mississauga, ON; June 6, 2016)  Bill C-14 - the Medical Assistance in Dying Act - has not been passed before the Supreme Court of Canada’s deadline of June 6, 2016. Here is what the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) can inform its members about the status of this important issue.

The bill is currently being reviewed by the Senate. A date for the bill to become law is currently not known. Recognizing that a new law is imminent, we anticipate that many family physicians will be reluctant to proceed with medical aid in dying (MAID) for those patients who request it.

For related information, College members are referred to the CFPC’s Guide for Reflection on Ethical Issues Concerning Assisted Suicide and Voluntary Euthanasia.

All 10 provincial regulatory Colleges have issued policies and information around MAID. Please note that these guidelines are not the same as legislation.

British Columbia             
Alberta                                             
Saskatchewan                
Manitoba                         
Ontario                              
Quebec (All other requests)
New Brunswick                             
Nova Scotia                      
Prince Edward Island    
Newfoundland and Labrador  

For a short summary of how each regulatory authority is approaching MAID, please see this article produced by the CBC.

About the College of Family Physicians of Canada

The CFPC represents more than 35,000 members across the country.  It is the professional organization responsible for establishing standards for the training and certification of family physicians. The CFPC reviews and accredits continuing professional development programs and materials that enable family physicians to meet certification and licencing requirements and lifelong learning interests.  It also accredits postgraduate family medicine training in Canada’s 17 medical schools. The College provides quality services, supports family medicine teaching and research, and advocates on behalf of family physicians and the specialty of family medicine.

Contact

Jayne Johnston
Director, Communications
College of Family Physicians of Canada
905-629-0900 ext 303