Canada's MAiD program faces scrutiny over rapid growth and ethics

Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program is facing intense scrutiny following reports of procedural failures and rapid expansion. In Ontario, the family of 83-year-old Brigitte Stegemann alleges she was subjected to a MAiD assessment against her expressed wishes. Her granddaughter claims that despite Stegemann being a devout Christian who had previously declined euthanasia, facility staff allegedly used vague language regarding “medicine” to facilitate a consultation while the patient may not have fully understood the implications due to language barriers.

On a national scale, critics highlight the unprecedented growth of the program. Since its legalization in 2016, the number of annual MAiD deaths has risen from 1,018 to an estimated 16,499 in 2025, making it the sixth-leading cause of death in the country. Policy experts have noted that eligibility has broadened and safeguards have weakened over time. In response to these trends, a parliamentary committee has recommended an indefinite delay for applying MAiD to individuals whose sole underlying medical condition is mental illness.