Advance requests
Everything you need to know about advance requests for medical assistance in dying.
The basics
An advance request involves a competent person making a written request for medical assistance in dying (MAID) that could be honoured later, after they lose the capacity to make medical decisions for themselves. This would include people who have been diagnosed with neurocognitive disorders or other conditions that may affect cognitive abilities, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, or Parkinson’s. It does not include conditions that are primarily within the domain of psychiatry, such as depression and personality disorders.
Why it matters
Without the option of an advance request, people across Canada are forced to make an impossible choice: die earlier than they want to in order to ensure they have capacity to consent – giving up time with their loved ones. Or risk losing capacity and be forced to live in a situation they would find intolerable. The Province of Quebec has become the first jurisdiction in Canada to allow advance requests for those diagnosed with a serious and incurable illness leading to incapacity (e.g., Alzheimer’s), effective October 30, 2024. This means there is a discrepancy between Quebec and federal MAID laws, and the options that people in Quebec have at the end of life vs the rest of Canada.
What you can do
82% of people across Canada support advance requests for MAID for a person that has a diagnosis of a capacity-impairing grievous and irremediable condition. 72% support advance requests even if the person has not been diagnosed with a grievous and irremediable medical condition.
Tell your Member of Parliament to respect our end-of-life rights
The lack of access to advance requests is a critical gap in our country’s assisted dying legislation — and must be corrected.
Write a Letter to the Editor in support of advance requests
Positive media coverage is needed to educate the public and decision-makers on the importance of this issue.
Meet with your Member of Parliament
We’ve designed a step-by-step guide to help you effectively communicate your thoughts and DWDC’s position on advance requests to your MP.
Learn more
DWDC statement re: Health Canada’s national conversation on advance requests
The results of Health Canada’s national conversation on advance requests for medical assistance in dying reaffirm what we already know.
Advance request for medical aid in dying in Quebec
The Government of Quebec has released information about the implementation of advance requests in the province.
Advance requests video library
Hear directly from the people and families impacted by the lack of access to advance requests in Canada.
2025 poll: Support for MAID and advance requests
The findings of an Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Dying With Dignity Canada regarding support for MAID and advance requests in Canada.
Report of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying
In February 2023, the Final Report from the Special Joint Committee on MAID made three recommendations in support of advance requests.
Featured story
Mom had choice, Dad did not: Why we need legal advance requests for MAID
At 71, my mom, Suzie – a vibrant and active woman who loved to dance and sing – was diagnosed with a devastating disease that would slowly take control over her body and mind. Her prognosis was five to seven years – before succumbing to the disease …
Empower. Inform. Protect your rights.