While medical assistance in dying (MAID) is legal across Canada, access can sometimes be complicated. Policies, information gaps, misunderstandings, and regional differences may present obstacles along the way. 

This page outlines common barriers you may encounter, and what you can do to address them.

If you’re unsure of your rights

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Not knowing your rights can make it harder to access MAID or respond when something doesn’t feel right. 

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In Canada, you have the right to:

  • ask about MAID and receive accurate information
  • request an assessment for eligibility
  • be referred to a MAID provider, or be provided with contact information for a service that can assist you
  • receive care that is free from discrimination
  • raise concerns with a provincial or territorial regulatory college 

If your health care provider won’t or can’t support your request

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Some health care providers may decline to discuss or choose not to participate in MAID for personal or religious reasons, or they may be prohibited from doing so by the institutions where they work.

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You can:

  • request a referral to another nurse practitioner or physician
  • contact your provincial MAID care coordination service to ask for a referral, or ask a family member or friend to do this for you
  • reach out to provincial or territorial regulatory colleges to ask about professional obligations that may apply 
  • contact Dying With Dignity Canada for help understanding your options 

If finding a place to receive MAID is challenging

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MAID often takes place at home, where it feels familiar and private. Other settings may also be available depending on what exists in your region.

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Options may include:

  • a hospital, hospice, palliative care unit, or long-term care facility that permits MAID
  • a private residence belonging to a friend or family member
  • in some regions, a dedicated MAID space such as MAiDHouse in Toronto or Victoria, or a funeral home that has a dedicated space for MAID
  • hotels and motels     

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If you have a specific place in mind, ask your MAID provider, as they may be able to accommodate your request. 

Some places may allow MAID for existing patients, but do not admit people solely to receive MAID. Knowing your local options can help you make a plan. Discuss options with your MAID provider or your provincial or territorial MAID care coordination services.

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Questions to ask include:

  • what locations permit MAID in my region?
  • if my first choice isn’t available, what alternatives exist?
  • would a transfer be required, and how would that be arranged?

If your care home, hospital, or hospice won’t allow MAID

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Some hospitals, long-term care homes and other facilities, particularly faith-based or privately operated facilities, may not permit MAID assessments and/or provisions on site. Others may not admit people solely for that purpose.

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Alternative possibilities include:

  • offsite or virtual assessments 
  • transfers to another facility or location 
  • providing MAID in a private residence

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You may wish to contact your provincial or territorial MAID care coordination service to explore your options, or reach out to Dying With Dignity Canada for help. The organization advocates to reduce barriers to access, including those created by institutional policies and religious obstruction.

If you face long wait times

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Wait times can vary depending on provider availability, especially in rural or remote areas. Requests are often triaged, meaning people with more urgent medical situations are prioritized. Wait times are often longer for people whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable.

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If you're concerned about wait times, you can:

  • ask whether your situation may allow for a shorter assessment timeline
  • ask about expected timelines and next steps 

If you’re feeling uncertain

MAID can bring uncertainty, even when it’s thoughtfully considered. Emotional support can make a difference. Learn more about the common responses that can arise.

If you need help overcoming barriers to MAID

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If something feels unclear, consider asking for clarification in writing. Obstacles can arise from misunderstanding, and putting it in writing can help ensure everyone is working from the same information. It also provides useful documentation if you seek help in overcoming the obstacle you’re facing.

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If you encounter a barrier, you do not have to navigate it alone. You may wish to contact:

How Dying With Dignity Canada can help

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Dying With Dignity Canada is a national charitable organization that ensures access to quality end-of-life choice and care through advocacy, education and support. It does not coordinate MAID assessments or provisions. It cannot provide medical or legal advice, and it cannot compel a health care provider or institution to act. 

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However, the organization can:

  • explain how the MAID framework works in your province or territory
  • clarify eligibility criteria, safeguards, and common misunderstandings
  • help you understand professional obligations for health care providers
  • help you advocate for yourself within your care setting
  • direct you to provincial or territorial care coordination services

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If you are unsure what is happening in your situation, Dying With Dignity Canada can help you understand what questions to ask and where to turn next.