Canada is among just a handful of countries around the world to have legalized medical assistance in dying (MAID). Québec was the first province to adopt the Act Respecting End-of-Life Care in 2014, followed by the Canadian federal legislation in 2016.

This book examines the evolution of MAID in Canada over the last 20 years from the perspective of public policy. It assesses how the competing narratives by both supporters and opponents of medical assistance in dying influenced policy framing, formulation and implementation. In tracing the journey and implications of MAID legislation in Canada, the book also provides valuable insights for other jurisdictions facing similar issues. MAID and its variants are progressively being introduced in other countries, and Canada provides an important case to compare the complexities of end-of-life care from a social, legal and ethical perspective.

This book will appeal to all those interested in this emotive subject, as well as scholars, students, and professionals in the fields of public policy and administration, health policy, law, sociology and ethics.

Nathalie Burlone is Professor at the School of Political Studies, University of Ottawa, Canada.