Medically Assisted Dying

On February 6, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada made a significant decision in Carter v. Canada that changed the prohibition against medically assisted death.  It was illegal for someone to assist in your death if that was your choice.  The Court held that the Criminal Code violated the constitutional rights of certain grievously and irremediably ill adult individuals.
 
After the decision, both the federal government and the provincial governments worked at implementing the new law to what we have today.  A person who meets specific criteria can now have their death assisted by a physician or nurse practitioner.   
 
The new law and processes to support it may not be perfect.  It may be controversial to some people.  It has support by others.  It has objections by others.  Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum being informed is the best approach.  To learn more, check out some of the resources below.  
 
For more detailed information, check out the Government of Canada’s website at  https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/medical-assistance-dying.html
 
For more information, forms and resources check out the Provincial Governments website at http://www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/medical-assistance-dying.html
 
For contact sources check out the Alberta Health Services website at https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page13497.aspx

Kelly Stewart

Kelly is a Partner at Rowanoak Law Office.