(OTTAWA) A Liberal bill to delay the planned expansion of Canada’s physician-assisted dying regime has passed third reading in the Senate.
The expansion, which was originally scheduled for March 17, would include people whose only underlying condition is a mental disorder.
Justice Minister David Lametti announced the postponement in February, saying more time was needed to ensure healthcare professionals and Canadian society are prepared for the expansion.
Enlargement is now expected to happen a year later than planned, in March 2024.
Federal officials say the delay will allow more time to develop standards of practice and assessment guidelines for complex requests for assisted dying.
While all parties supported the postponement, the Conservatives are calling for the expansion to be scrapped altogether.