This page outlines the steps involved in requesting, being assessed for, and receiving medical assistance in dying (MAID).
Making a written request
The process often begins with a verbal request, and must include a written request. Most provinces and territories have created a form for this purpose. Some regions and MAID clinicians request that the form be completed before the assessments, while others ask for it later in the process. The exact form you need depends on the province or territory where you live.
You can ask your nurse practitioner or doctor to help you access the correct form. If you don’t have a regular health care provider, or if you just prefer to begin on your own, you can find contact information for your local MAID care coordination team in your province or territory.
Regardless of where you live, the form asks for your name and signature, the date, and a signature from one Independent Witness.
If you can’t sign the request yourself
If you are capable of decision-making but can’t physically sign and date a written request, you may direct another adult to sign on your behalf. Sometimes known as a “proxy” or “authorized third person,” this person must be at least 18 years old and able to understand what it means to request MAID.
Among other criteria, they must not be in a position to benefit from your death. This person does not have to agree with, approve of, or support the request for MAID; they must only understand what it is.
Finding an Independent Witness
Your request form must be signed in the presence of one Independent Witness. They need to see you sign the form, and then sign it themselves at the same time. You may wish to ask someone you know – such as a neighbour, colleague or a friend – to act as your witness.
If you need help finding a witness, your care coordination team may be able to help. You can also request support by completing Dying With Dignity Canada’s Independent Witness request form.
An Independent Witness for a written MAID request must:
be at least 18 years of age
have the capacity to understand what it means to request MAID
not be in a position to benefit financially or materially from your death
not be an owner / operator of a care facility where you live
not be an unpaid provider of care for you – but can be a paid professional personal or health care worker
Virtual witnessing
In some regions, it’s possible to have a witness observe your request over a video call (virtual witnessing). During the call, the witness will confirm your identity (for example, using a health card or hospital band) and observe you signing and dating the consent section of the form.
You can complete your personal information in advance, but do not sign the consent section until the call. During the video call, you will sign your paper copy while the witness completes their copy of the same form.
Afterward, the witness can send you their signed digital copy of the form. This should be submitted, together with your form, to your MAID assessor.
Receiving two assessments
Your health care provider or regional MAID team will arrange two independent assessments by nurse practitioners or physicians to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Assessors will determine which of two tracks applies to your situation. This affects the safeguards and timelines involved.
If both assessors find you eligible, you can move forward.
Learn what to expect during your assessments.
Thinking about timing
After you are approved, you may be asked about timing. You are not required to set a date right away and can take the time you need to decide.
If you do set a date, you can change it or withdraw your request completely at any time, right up until the day and time you were set to receive MAID.
If you decide to delay, you must still meet the eligibility criteria at the moment you receive MAID. Your MAID provider may revisit aspects of your eligibility if significant time has passed.
MAID is not an emergency treatment. It takes time to complete the assessment process. Your MAID provider also needs time to plan and organize the day of MAID, including arranging the necessary medical support staff.
Starting the process of assessment earlier in your illness can help reduce time pressure and make it more likely you’ll be able to schedule MAID on a date that works for you.
Giving consent at the time of MAID
Consent is an important part of the MAID process. While written consent is not required under the MAID law, some nurse practitioners and physicians may ask you to sign a written consent form in advance of your MAID date.
Regardless of whether such a form is requested or not, the nurse practitioner or doctor must still confirm your consent on the day of MAID immediately before MAID is provided.
If you no longer have capacity to provide this consent, MAID cannot proceed – unless a waiver of final consent has been signed and its conditions are met.
In Quebec, advance requests for MAID are allowed in certain situations, which may affect how consent is handled. Learn more about advance requests on the Government of Quebec’s website.
Learn more about consent and advance requests
Preparing for MAID
This period can be emotionally intense. Some people gather family and make practical arrangements, like updating their will or organizing their possessions. Others prefer privacy and quiet. You may wish to shape an experience that reflects your values.
Most MAID providers will require that arrangements be made with your chosen funeral home before the date of MAID, and they will want to have the name and contact information for the funeral home. Without this information, they may not proceed with MAID.
On the day you have chosen to receive MAID, your provider will review the plan with you and confirm your consent. A nurse practitioner or physician will prepare those who you have chosen to be present and then provide and administer the medication to you.
You can change your mind
You can change your date or withdraw your request at any time, right up until the time MAID is provided.