MAID applicants should have more mental health support, says Quebec coroner

By Canadian Press on March 4, 2026.

MONTREAL — A Quebec coroner is calling for better mental health support and resources for people who apply for medical assistance in dying.

The recommendation is in response to the case of a 91-year-old Montreal-area man who died by suicide last year shortly after his MAID request was refused.

Coroner Julie-Kim Godin noted in her recent report that the man had spoken to several medical professionals over the years about his struggles with grief and aging, as well as suicidal thoughts.

He requested MAID while hospitalized after a previous suicide attempt, but was refused because he did not have a serious and incurable illness. He died by suicide a few months later.

Godin says no structured support plan was put in place to help the man despite his repeated requests for help, his MAID application or his previous suicide attempt.

She is recommending the province ensures that everyone who expresses a desire for MAID has access to adequate support for their physical, psychological, psychosocial and spiritual needs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press