Canada’s fifth annual report on medically assisted suicide revealed that nearly 15,300 people underwent euthanasia in 2023, accounting for 4.7% of all deaths nationwide. The report, released by Health Canada, marks a 16% increase in assisted deaths compared to the previous year.
The majority of patients who chose euthanasia were over 77 years old, with 96% of cases involving terminal conditions where death was deemed “reasonably foreseeable.” Most of these cases were related to illnesses like cancer. However, some non-terminal patients with severe medical conditions impacting their quality of life also received approval.
Quebec reported the highest rate of euthanasia in the country, contributing 37% of the total cases despite representing only 22% of Canada’s population. The province has been at the forefront of implementing medically assisted dying services.
The report also highlighted socio-economic concerns. In Ontario, the Coroner’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Death Review Committee found that nearly half of non-terminal patients seeking euthanasia were from the province’s poorest neighborhoods. Critics argue this raises troubling questions about access to healthcare and support for vulnerable populations.
Canada’s euthanasia laws are among the most permissive globally, allowing individuals with serious medical conditions to request assisted death. Applications must be approved by two independent healthcare providers. While the laws include safeguards, critics worry about expanding eligibility for non-terminal patients and the potential for systemic abuse.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has defended the legislation, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy. However, critics continue to question whether the laws adequately protect those who may feel pressured to seek euthanasia due to socio-economic or medical challenges. The growing number of cases has reignited debate over the ethical implications of Canada’s assisted dying policies.
