Overview
- The province tabled the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act, which would confine access to medical assistance in dying to people whose natural death is likely within 12 months.
- The proposal would exclude minors, people seeking MAID solely for mental illness, those lacking decision-making capacity, and any advance requests.
- Procedural measures would require an in-person family witness when available, mandate thorough review of relevant health records before approval, tighten professional sanctions, and restrict clinician promotion or out-of-province referrals.
- The Canadian Civil Liberties Association urged Alberta to withdraw the bill, arguing it infringes Charter rights to liberty and security and interferes with comprehensive medical care.
- Legal analysts note provinces can define what counts as health care even when MAID is decriminalized federally, as national reports show rising use and Ottawa delays psychiatric-only cases until March 2027.