On March 17, 2021, new legislation was passed in relation to Bill C-7, more details here.

We are currently working to update information and forms for patients, families and health care workers involved in assessing and performing MAID to include these changes and they will be posted here in the coming days. As a result of these updates, the information contained in the files and resources below may not completely align with the new legislation. Should you have questions or concerns, please use the contact information below. 

We respect our patients’ right to make informed decisions about their care and treatment options. That includes the option to choose medical assistance in dying, as allowed by law.

MAID is a process where a person who meets a number of specific criteria is given medications at their request by a qualified health care provider to bring about the person’s death.

Canadian Law defines medical assistance in dying (MAID) as:

“the administering by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner of a substance to a person, at their request, that causes their death”; or

“the prescribing or providing by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner of a substance to a person, at their request, so that they may self-administer the substance and in doing so cause their own death”.

Access to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Nova Scotia during COVID-19

In order to be eligible for medical assistance in dying, you must meet all of the following criteria. You must:

• be eligible for health services funded by the federal government, or a province or territory (or during the applicable minimum period of residence or waiting period for eligibility)
  • generally, visitors to Canada are not eligible for medical assistance in dying
• be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. This means being capable of making health care decisions for yourself.
• have a grievous and irremediable medical condition
• make  a voluntary request for MAID that is not the result of outside pressure or influence
• give informed consent to receive MAID

Only persons who meet ALL of the above criteria are eligible to be assessed for MAID.

We are living in challenging times.  In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, people may be having trouble coping. This can sometimes result in significant anxiety, depression and other symptoms that can be difficult to manage, but do not in themselves meet the criteria for MAID.  If you are experiencing these symptoms and you would like to speak with someone, help is available. 

The following health professionals are trained to assist you:

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
(902) 429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167

Nova Scotians who are seeking information about MAID can discuss this with their primary care provider or a specialist.  They may also contact the Nova Scotia Health Authority MAID Care Coordination Office, toll free at 1-833-903-6243, or 902-491-5892 within the Halifax region. The Office email address is: maid@nshealth.ca.  Voicemail and email messages will receive a reply within 48 working hours.

Further details are also available on the NSHA website at:  http://www.nshealth.ca/about-us/medical-assistance-dying