
Newly released data from Health Canada reveals that medically assisted deaths accounted for 4.7% of all deaths in Canada in 2023. A total of 15,300 individuals chose euthanasia through the country’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program, representing a 16% increase from the prior year.
Most of the patients who opted for euthanasia were over 77 years old, with 96% of cases involving terminal illnesses deemed to have a “reasonably foreseeable” death. The majority suffered from conditions like cancer, while a smaller percentage of cases included non-terminal patients whose quality of life was severely impacted by medical conditions.
Quebec reported the highest number of assisted deaths, accounting for 37% of all cases, despite making up only 22% of Canada’s population. The province’s rate highlights the disparity in euthanasia practices across the country, raising questions about regional implementation of the program.
A report from Ontario’s Coroner’s MAID Death Review Committee revealed a concerning trend—nearly half of non-terminal patients seeking euthanasia were from the poorest areas in the province. Critics argue this points to potential socio-economic pressures influencing the decision to pursue assisted death.
Canada’s euthanasia program, considered one of the most expansive in the world, has drawn global attention and debate. Under the law, patients must meet specific criteria and have their cases reviewed by two independent healthcare professionals. However, critics worry that the expansion of eligibility to include non-terminal patients may open the door to misuse or systemic failures.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has championed MAID as a reflection of individual rights and autonomy. While supporters view the program as a compassionate choice for those suffering, others argue that growing reliance on euthanasia raises ethical concerns, particularly as it relates to vulnerable populations.