Medical assistance in dying law amended

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice (Part I, Vol. 157, No. 11) records that An Act to amend An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) (Bill C-39, chapter 1, 2023) received royal assent on March 9, 2023. The item also notes a previous publication about Standing Order 130 on notices for private bills and gives contact details for the Private Members’ Business Office. The Gazette entry was published on March 18, 2023.

What it does#

• Records that Bill C-39 has received royal assent by written declaration from Her Excellency the Governor General, under the Royal Assent Act, S.C. 2002, c. 15.
• Lists the bill as chapter 1, 2023, indicating it is part of the statutes for that year.
• Reminds readers that Standing Order 130 (about notices of intended applications for private bills) was published in the Canada Gazette on November 20, 2021, and gives the contact for the Private Members’ Business Office for more information.

Who's affected#

• People interested in rules around medical assistance in dying, including patients, caregivers and health-care providers. The Gazette notice does not describe the bill’s specific changes, so it’s not possible from this entry alone to say exactly which groups will feel the effects.
• Lawyers, policy analysts and advocacy groups who follow changes to criminal and health law.
• Individuals or organizations considering a private bill application who may need the contact details for the Private Members’ Business Office.

Why it matters#

• Laws about medical assistance in dying affect end-of-life care, eligibility and how health systems and professionals respond to requests. Because this notice only records that Bill C-39 received assent, it does not explain the details of the change — those details determine the practical impact.
• The note about Standing Order 130 matters for anyone pursuing a private bill in Parliament, since it points to where procedural notices and contacts are published.
• If you need the exact legal changes or how they apply to a specific situation, consult the text of Bill C-39 or the revised statute, or seek legal or clinical advice.