Adedokun Waliyu 
The federal government’s policies which allow people to seek medical assistance in dying (MAID) have the support of 73% of Canadians, according to a poll.
The online survey also found 20% believe MAID should always be allowed, regardless of who is requesting it, while 12% believe it should never be permitted.
From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.
“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (52%) think counselling a person to end their lives should continue to be a crime,” said Mario Canseco, president of Research Co., in a statement.
“Fewer Canadians aged 35 to 54 (41%) and aged 55 and over (34%) hold the same view.”
Satisfaction with the existing guidelines related to MAID is highest in Quebec (53%), followed by British Columbia (52%), Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba (46%), Atlantic Canada (44%) and Alberta (40%).
The poll also found 51% of Canadians would agree to allow adults in Canada to seek MAID due to an inability to receive medical treatment, and 50% due to a disability.
A minority would agree to expand the guidelines to include homelessness (28%) and poverty (27%) as reasons to seek MAID.
According to the findings, 43% believe mental illness should be a justification for an adult to seek MAID, while 45% oppose that idea.
The federal government has delayed a decision for eligibility related to mental illness until March 2024.
According to government guidelines, someone seeking MAID must be at least18 years old, mentally competent, and have a grievous and irremediable medical condition.
Conducted April 22-24, the poll results — based on an online study of 1,000 adults in Canada — have a margin of error of 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
