Bill Detail
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying — protection against coercion)
This enactment amends the Criminal Code to make it an offence for certain persons in certain circumstances to initiate a discussion with a person about the availability to them of medical assistance in dying, knowing that they have not specifically requested to have such a discussion.
Bill C-260, also known as the Preventing Coercion of Persons Not Seeking Medical Assistance in Dying Act, aims to protect individuals from unsolicited discussions about medical assistance in dying (MAID). It makes it a criminal offense for certain government officials or employees, excluding medical practitioners and registered nurses, to initiate conversations about MAID with someone if they know that person has not specifically asked to discuss it. This applies when these officials are in a position of trust or authority over the individual due to their profession.