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REGINA — Saskatchewan’s government introduced legislation Monday to regulate medical assistance in dying, or MAID.
The bill is in line with proposed and current federal regulations.
Saskatchewan’s bill says MAID is prohibited to anyone under 18 and whose sole underlying condition is mental illness.
It also says those who lack the capacity to make their own health-care decisions would not be allowed to receive the procedure. Health care workers also wouldn’t be forced to provide or assist in MAID, the bill says.
Current federal law already prohibits MAID for people younger than 18 and those who lack decision-making capabilities. The law also does not force health care workers to provide MAID or give a referral to a physician who does.
As for rules around mental health, Ottawa has proposed in a federal bill that MAID be prohibited to those whose sole condition is mental illness. The legislation is currently before the House of Commons.
Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s health minister, told reporters the province felt the need to put safeguards in place.
“Regardless of what happens with that (federal) piece of legislation, we viewed these pieces as really significant,” Cockrill said.
He added he’s heard from health care workers who want stronger wording in provincial legislation.
Nicole Sarauer, the Opposition NDP house leader, told reporters she’ll be speaking with health care workers about the Saskatchewan Party government’s bill.
“It seems like it’s addressing problems that may not be issues or may not be issues anymore, in particular around minors being able to access MAID and for MAID being accessible to those who just have mental health issues,” she said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2026.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
