The government of Alberta is proposing major changes to who can access medical assistance in dying, potentially reversing years of expanded eligibility across Canada.
Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party government have introduced legislation that would significantly narrow access to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
What the proposed changes would do
Under the new bill:
- Only individuals expected to die within one year would qualify for MAID
- The current federal rule allowing access for non-terminal conditions would effectively be restricted in Alberta
- MAID would continue to be prohibited for anyone under 18, in line with federal law
The proposal would bring Alberta’s rules closer to the original 2016 framework when MAID was first introduced in Canada.
Conflict with federal framework
Currently, federal MAID rules allow eligibility for people who:
- are in an advanced state of decline
- are experiencing intolerable suffering
- may not be near death
These broader criteria were introduced after a landmark decision in Quebec, where a judge ruled earlier restrictions were unconstitutional.
Province signals willingness to fight
Mickey Amery said the Quebec ruling does not automatically apply to Alberta and indicated the province is prepared to defend the legislation in court if challenged.
Why this matters
If passed, Alberta’s move could:
- create a legal clash between provincial and federal frameworks
- limit access for patients suffering from non-terminal illnesses or disabilities
- reignite a national debate over end-of-life rights and medical ethics
The proposal is expected to face scrutiny from legal experts, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups as it moves through the legislative process.