Alberta’s government is launching a public engagement to gather input about legislation and policies around assisted suicide, also referred to as medical assistance in dying (MAID).

Medical assistance in dying is a process that allows an eligible person to receive assistance from a medical practitioner in ending their life. To be found eligible, a person must be suffering from a serious and permanent medical condition.

Alberta’s government is reviewing how MAID is regulated to ensure there is a consistent process as well as oversight that protects vulnerable Albertans, specifically those living with disabilities or suffering from mental health challenges. An online survey is now open for Albertans to share their views and experiences with MAID until Dec. 20.

“We recognize that medical assistance in dying is a very complex and often personal issue and is an important, sensitive and emotional matter for patients and their families. It is important to ensure this process has the necessary supports to protect the most vulnerable. I encourage Albertans who have experience with and opinions on MAID to take this survey.”

In addition to the online survey, Alberta’s government will also be engaging directly with academics, medical associations, public bodies, religious organizations, regulatory bodies, advocacy groups and others that have an interest in and/or working relationship to the MAID process, health care, disabilities and mental health care.

Feedback gathered through this process will help inform the Alberta government’s planning and policy decision making, including potential legislative changes regarding MAID in Alberta.

“Our government has been clear that we do not support the provision of medically assisted suicide for vulnerable Albertans facing mental illness as their primary purpose for seeking their own death. Instead, our goal is to build a continuum of care where vulnerable Albertans can live in long-term health and fulfilment. We look forward to the feedback of Albertans as we proceed with this important issue.”

“As MAID is a federally legislated and regulated program that touches the lives of many Albertans, our priority is to ensure we have robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals. Albertans’ insights will be essential in developing thoughtful policies on this complex issue.”

The federal Criminal Code sets out the MAID eligibility criteria, procedural safeguards and reporting obligations. The federal government has paused MAID eligibility for individuals with a mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition until March 2027 to ensure the provincial health care systems have processes and supports in place. Alberta’s government does not support expanding MAID eligibility to include those facing depression or mental illness and continues to call on the federal government to end this policy altogether.

Related information

• Medical assistance in dying engagement | Alberta.ca

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis issued the following statement on the upcoming Alberta Emergency Alert test:

“On Nov. 20, Alberta will be participating in a test of the National Public Alerting System. At 1:55 p.m., an Alberta Emergency Alert test will be issued across multiple channels including television, radio, wireless devices, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app and directly to compatible cellphones across the province.

“Nobody likes an alert disruption, but tests such as these allow us to fix system issues. These tests, which are typically conducted every May and November, help ensure the system works properly so Albertans can receive life-saving information during an actual emergency, including tornadoes, wildfires, floods and Amber Alerts.

“To stay informed, I encourage all Albertans to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app, which delivers these warnings directly to your phone. To receive an alert on your mobile phone, it must be compatible with the system, connected to an LTE 4G network or higher, or connected to Wi-Fi with the Alberta Emergency Alert app installed. If your device is set to silent, it will display the alert but may not play the notification sound.

“The test alert is also a great time for Albertans to talk to their family, friends and colleagues about emergency preparedness and to start making a plan. Consider discussing:

• How you would have responded if the test alert had been real?
• Do you have an emergency plan and emergency kits ready for your household?
• What arrangements have you made for your pets or livestock?

“There are a number of simple steps we can all take to be more prepared. Emergencies can strike without warning, but with some planning, we can reduce the impact on our lives and protect the people we care about.

“I encourage all Albertans to make emergency preparedness part of their routine. Together, Albertans can be prepared and safe if an emergency arises.”

Related information

• Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app
• Be prepared for emergencies
• Alberta Emergency Management Agency