A federal advisory committee is expected to recommend that the Liberal government indefinitely delay plans to expand eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to individuals whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness. The recommendation comes amid ongoing concerns from medical professionals, mental health experts, and advocacy groups regarding the readiness of the healthcare system and the adequacy of existing safeguards.

The proposed expansion has faced repeated delays in recent years as policymakers sought to address complex ethical, legal, and clinical questions surrounding mental illness and end-of-life decision-making. Critics argue that assessing whether a mental health condition is truly irremediable remains significantly more difficult than evaluating many physical illnesses.

Supporters of the pause contend that additional research, training, and oversight measures are needed before any expansion can proceed safely. The committee's recommendation reflects concerns that current systems may not be fully prepared to handle such cases consistently across the country.

The federal government has not yet announced whether it will adopt the committee's recommendation. However, the proposal is expected to intensify debate over the future of MAID and the balance between personal autonomy and patient protection in Canada's healthcare system.