Philippe Couillard questions MAiD expansion

Former Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard expressed uncertainty regarding his support for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation during an Oct. 10 interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Couillard, whose government helped pass the law in 2014, noted that the original legislation was intended for people facing terminal or pre-terminal conditions with a defined end of life. He questioned how much eligibility has expanded beyond those original parameters.

Alex Schadenberg, executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, responded to Couillard's remarks by calling for a complete review of assisted-dying laws in both Quebec and Canada. Schadenberg suggested that a review would allow families to describe to a government committee how the legislation has affected them.

When asked by Canadian Catholic News if he planned to act on his concerns or if governments should restore previous eligibility restrictions, Couillard declined to comment further.