Albertans are being asked for their input on the future of assisted dying policies with the province launching a public engagement process.
Open until Dec. 20, a new online survey will be available for people to share their views and experiences with medical assistance in dying (MAID).
The feedback gathered will be used to inform planning and policy decision making, which could include legislative changes.
The province says they will also be engaging with a variety of interested groups, including academics, medical professionals, advocates and religious organizations.
“Our priority is to ensure we have robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals,” reads a statement from Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. “Albertans’ insights will be essential in developing thoughtful policies on this complex issue.”
MAID eligibility is outlined by the federal government and under the current guidelines those who only live with mental illness as an underlying medical condition cannot access the service.
Ottawa moved to delayed the expansion after a parliamentary committee recommended it, saying the country was not ready to move ahead.
The temporary block comes to an end in March 2027, and the province has been very vocal with their demands that Ottawa make it permanent.
Those who want eligibility to be widened say people with mental illness deserve the same access to an assisted death as those who have intolerable physical pain.
More information on the online survey can be found here.
With files from The Canadian Press