If passed, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act would make clear that MAID cannot be provided where mental illness is the sole underlying condition. It would strengthen protections for vulnerable Albertans and ensure MAID is not used when other care and treatment options are available.

Providing health care and supporting the well-being of Albertans is one of the provincial government’s most important responsibilities. The consequences of a decision to access MAID are permanent and irrevocable. Alberta’s government must consider any policy impacting MAID with the utmost care and caution.

“This legislation strengthens safeguards and restores clear limits on eligibility to protect vulnerable Albertans facing mental illness or living with disabilities. Those struggling with severe mental health challenges need treatment, compassion and support, not a path to end their life at what may be their lowest moment. In Alberta, a patient whose sole underlying condition is mental illness will not be eligible for MAID.”

Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

“We have a responsibility to protect vulnerable Albertans. This legislation will ensure that proper protections and oversight are in place and MAID only remains as an option of last resort.”

Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Alberta’s proposed legislation would introduce the following protections:

  • Limit MAID eligibility to those whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable and prohibit MAID where a natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, also known as Track 2 MAID.
  • Prohibit MAID in Alberta for those under 18, and for those whose sole condition is a mental illness.
  • Allow physicians and health care facilities to refuse to assess or provide MAID.
  • Prohibit physicians from making referrals for individuals to receive MAID outside of Alberta.
  • Restrict health care professionals from initiating conversations about MAID with a patient.
  • Require MAID providers to meet education and training requirements and introduce sanctions for MAID assessors and providers not complying with the law.

“Alberta’s legislation is a positive first step in slowing the unacceptable amount of MAID deaths that Canada has normalized – drawing a line to protect minors, the mentally ill and those who cannot advocate for themselves.”

Kelsi Sheren, former Canadian combat veteran and PTSD advocate

Canada has one of the fastest-growing rates of medical assistance in dying (MAID) deaths in the world and lacks strong oversight to ensure the laws are being followed. Since Track 2 MAID was introduced in 2021, allowing eligibility where death is not reasonably foreseeable, deaths under this category in Canada have increased by 226 per cent.

"I am in support of this historical and significant legislative response by the Government of Alberta. It is in recognition of the sanctity of life in the First Nations of Canada. It is important to support life from the beginning to end of life in a dignified manner."

Graydon Nicholas, elder and former Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick

"Alberta’s legislation restores an essential principle: assisted dying must remain an exceptional end-of-life measure, not a substitute for proper medical care, disability supports, or social services. When the outcome is death, safeguards must be clear, enforceable and rigorously upheld. This bill helps ensure that care comes first."

Dr. Ramona Coelho, family physician and member of Ontario’s MAID Death Review Committee

“Recovery from mental illness and suicidality is possible, expected even. For that reason, we welcome the steps Alberta is taking to strengthen protections for those experiencing mental illness. Our organization remains deeply committed to ensuring everyone in Alberta can access the mental health and social supports they need to thrive and find hope, today and for the future.”

Mara Grunau, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association (Alberta) and Centre for Suicide Prevention

Alberta’s government will continue working with health care professionals, patients and families to ensure that MAID remains carefully regulated, compassionate and protects vulnerable Albertans.

Quick facts

  • Since Track 2 MAID was introduced in 2021, Track 2 MAID deaths in Alberta have increased by 136 per cent from 2021 to 2025.
  • Canada passed three per cent of MAID deaths as a portion of total deaths after only five years of legalizing MAID.
    • In comparison, Belgium and the Netherlands have taken more than 20 years to reach the three per cent mark.
  • The federal Criminal Code sets out the criminal law standards for MAID, while provincial and territorial health systems deliver MAID as part of end-of-life care.
  • Alberta’s government conducted an engagement in fall 2024 with external organizations and individuals, including academics, health care professionals, regulatory bodies and others with expertise or involvement in MAID, health care, disability and mental health.
  • An online public survey, available from November to December 2024, allowed Albertans to share their views on MAID oversight and processes in Alberta.

Related information

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