Canada Considers Expanding Assisted Death Law to Include Mentally Ill

Critics Argue Move Indicates Failure of Mental Health Care System

Canada is considering expanding its assisted death law to include mentally ill individuals, with the law scheduled to take effect in March.
The move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it indicates a failure of the country's mental health care system.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has defended the policy, citing a 2019 court decision in Quebec that mandates the expansion.
Last year, about 13,200 Canadians had an assisted death, a 31% increase over 2021, according to a federal health ministry report.
There is uncertainty over whether the law will be implemented as scheduled, as Parliament has delayed it for the past three years due to concerns over its implementation.