A recent poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute has found that the majority of Canadians are unaware that eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) for individuals with mental illness as a sole condition is scheduled to take effect in March 2027.
Survey Findings
The online survey, conducted between May 7 and 11, 2026, among a representative sample of 1,803 Canadian adults, revealed that 56 per cent of respondents did not know about the planned expansion before completing the survey. Additionally, only 37 per cent of Canadians had been following the issue closely.
Divided Opinions
Regardless of prior awareness, opinions on the expansion remain deeply split. Among those aware of the 2027 expansion, 46 per cent support it, while 44 per cent oppose it. For those previously unaware, 42 per cent support it, and 37 per cent oppose it. Notably, 21 per cent of those unaware were unsure, compared to 10 per cent of those who had been following the news.
The poll also examined support for the original 2016 MAID framework, which restricted eligibility to patients with a reasonably foreseeable death. Nearly four in five Canadians (77 per cent) support the original criteria. However, support drops to 53 per cent for the 2021 expansion, which made MAID available to people with serious, incurable illnesses or disabilities where death is not reasonably foreseeable.
Mental Illness as a Sole Condition
Opinions on mental illness as a sole condition are sharply divided: 43 per cent support it, 39 per cent oppose it, and 19 per cent are unsure. Furthermore, 74 per cent of Canadians believe the government should first ensure adequate housing, income supports, and disability-related care are available before offering MAID to someone with a disability.
Political affiliation also influences views. Liberal voters lean in favour (51 per cent support), as do NDP (55 per cent) and Bloc Québécois (61 per cent) voters. Conservative voters are the most opposed, with 57 per cent against the expansion and 29 per cent supporting it.
The federal government delayed the implementation of MAID for mental illness until March 2027 in February 2024, pending a special committee report. The report will determine whether to proceed with the expansion.
