MAID law amended — Bill C-39 receives assent

Summary#

On March 9, 2023, Her Excellency the Governor General signified royal assent to Bill C-39, titled An Act to amend An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying). The Gazette notice records that assent was given by written declaration and that both houses of Parliament were notified the same day.

What it does#

• Records that Bill C-39 became law on March 9, 2023 through a written declaration of assent.
• Notes that the Senate and the House of Commons were notified of that declaration on March 9, 2023.

(The notice does not describe the actual changes made to the law. It only reports that the bill received assent.)

Who's affected#

• People interested in rules around medical assistance in dying (MAID).
• Health‑care providers, institutions, and legal advisers who follow MAID law.
• Anyone tracking federal changes to criminal‑law provisions on medical assistance in dying.

The Gazette notice itself does not list specific groups or describe the concrete changes, so it’s not possible from this item alone to say exactly who will feel what effect.

Why it matters#

• Royal assent means Parliament’s change to the law on medical assistance in dying has been enacted.
• If you are a patient, family member, health‑care provider, or legal professional dealing with MAID, this could change eligibility, safeguards, or procedures — but the Gazette notice does not give those details.
• To understand the real‑world effects, you would need to read the full text of Bill C-39 or follow related government guidance and analyses.