Minister of Justice Sean Fraser introduced
Bill C-41 on October 27, 2026. The bill proposes two major changes to Canada’s law on medical assistance in dying (MAiD): indefinitely excluding MAiD where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition, and allowing advance requests for MAiD.
Bill C-41 would stop the scheduled expansion of MAiD to people whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, set to take place on March 17, 2027.
Unfortunately,
Bill C-41 would also amend the
Criminal Code to allow MAiD based on an advance request. A person who meets the criteria laid out could make a request while they still have decision-making capacity for their life to be ended by MAiD when they experience certain symptoms of the disease or circumstances, even if they have lost the capacity to consent. The bill sets out the conditions that must be met for advance requests to be available. Advance requests would only be available in provinces and territories that have passed legislation to allow it.“
Bill C-41 passed first reading on October 27, 2026, and the House of Commons began second reading debate on October 30, 2026.
The EFC believes every human life has inherent dignity and worth. We strongly
support indefinitely excluding MAiD for mental illness but oppose advance requests for MAiD. We are engaging with parliamentarians on Bill C-41 and will share updates as the bill moves forward.
How to reach your MP
- On the website ourcommons.ca/members go to Find Members of Parliament
- Enter your postal code, then click on your MP's name
- Look under the Contact tab for their phone number and email address
- Letters and petitions may be sent postage-free to your MP at the following address:
[ Name of Member of Parliament ], MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Contact your MP in more than one way for even greater impact, for example, by calling
and writing. Even a voicemail message left at your MP’s office has an impact. Signing petitions also brings this issue to your MP’s attention. Personal communications are most effective.
Sample email or letter
Dear MP ______,
Thank you for serving our community.
I'm writing about Bill C-41. I'm glad the bill would stop MAiD from being expanded to people whose only medical condition is a mental illness. People who are struggling with their mental health need care and support, not access to death.
However, I'm very concerned that the bill would also allow advance requests for MAiD. I urge you to oppose advance requests for MAiD. If Bill C-41 moves forward, please work to limit the scope of advance requests and strengthen the bill's safeguards to protect vulnerable people.
Sincerely,
[ Your Name ]
[ Your Postal Code ]
Sample phone conversation or voicemail
Hello, my name is ______ and I live in MP ______'s riding. Thank you for your service to our community.
I'm calling about Bill C-41. I support stopping MAiD for mental illness alone, but I'm deeply concerned that the bill would also allow advance requests for MAiD.
I'd like MP ______ to oppose advance requests and, if the bill moves forward, work to limit them and strengthen the safeguards.
Could your office call to let me know how MP ______ will act on these concerns? My number is ______.
Thank you.