Current Status

The present law in Canada does not distinguish between euthanasia and other forms of murder. As a result, euthanasia is considered murder under Canada’s Criminal Code. While the offender’s intention to murder is relevant for determining what charges are laid and what sentence is given, the motive for the offence (e.g. compassion, anger, greed) is not taken into consideration. Consent to death by the deceased does not affect the criminal responsibility of the one who inflicts death. Counselling or assisting a suicide is also prohibited in the Criminal Code.

The Special Senate Committee on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide held extensive hearings across Canada and recommended in its June 1995 report  that euthanasia and assisted suicide remain criminal offences. In a five-year review of the report, released in June 2000, the committee strongly endorsed palliative care and called for national standards.

In January 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in the case of Robert Latimer , a Saskatchewan farmer convicted of second degree murder in the death of his disabled daughter Tracy. Mr. Latimer argued, among other things, that he should have been able to argue the defence of necessity before the lower court, essentially arguing that he had no choice but to kill his daughter. The Court was unanimous in upholding Mr. Latimer's conviction and sentence.

In June 2005 a Private Member's Bill (C-407) was introduced into the House of Commons.  This Bill would have made assisted suicide legal.  The limitations in this Bill were so vague, as one commentator said, "you could drive a hearse through it." The Bill was debated in the House but died when the election of 2006 was called. 

On May 13, 2009, another Private Member's Bill (C-384) was introduced into the House of Commons.  The Bill remains vague, as Bill C-407 had been.

From time to time, there continue to be news stories related to “mercy killing.” Sometimes these involve a disabled child but more often they are related to an elderly spouse. Many times, these are portrayed in the media with a great deal of sympathy as the circumstances are often quite difficult for those involved.

EFC Creates Educational Video on Euthanasia 
The EFC has created an educational video on euthanasia. Euthanasia and sanctity of life issues are some of the most pressing challenges facing Canadians and parliamentarians today. Learn more by watching the video on the EFC website or download it for your own use from YouTube.