Quebec will begin taking advanced applications for medical assistance in dying (MAID) despite federal Criminal Code restrictions, provincial officials say.
Health Minister Mark Holland said this week that Quebec’s plans contravene Canadian law.
“The Criminal Code has not changed. It is still illegal in this country under the Criminal Code to enact advance requests,” Holland said during an Oct. 28 press conference.
Quebec’s acceptance of advanced requests means a person with an illness that will eventually leave them unable to grant consent for MAID can arrange beforehand to receive assisted death when their condition worsens, such as months or years in the future….