RightNow welcomes committee report (AMAD, 45-1) recommending against expanding assisted suicide to those with mental health challenges

OTTAWA, ON (June 17, 2026) – Political pro-life organization RightNow welcomes the AMAD (45-1) report of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying to the Parliament of Canada, which recommends Parliament amend the Criminal Code of Canada to indefinitely exclude persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness from eligibility for assisted suicide and euthanasia (re: medical assistance in dying).

“This is a major victory for the pro-life movement and thus a major victory for Canada,” said Alissa Golob, co-founder of RightNow, a non-profit organization committed to nominating and electing pro-life candidates.

RightNow has worked to elect over 90 pro-life Members of Parliament over the past ten years, including members of the AMAD special joint committee. 

“Pro-life organizations, Members of Parliament, Senators, staffers, and regular Canadians have worked hard to stop the expansion of assisted suicide for many years in this country, and today's joint committee recommendation is our first victory in that effort” said Golob. "RightNow worked with our supporters to encourage Members of Parliament and Senators on the special joint committee to bring about the recommended conclusion."

“We are very pleased with, and touched by, the supplemental opinion of Co-Chair and Liberal MP, Dr. Marcus Powlowski", said Scott Hayward, president and co-founder of RightNow.

Dr. Powlowski stated in his supplemental: "The prohibition on taking a life is I would suggest the very basis on which society is built- the maxim "live and let live" is both trivial and at the core of all human interactions. To take a life is a decision that is far more profound than any other decision. It is irreversible. Furthermore, to take someone's life has for a very, very, long time been considered the worst sin, the worst crime”.

“We are also very pleased with the Conservatives' supplemental opinion that recommends Parliament pass Bill C-218, expanding the data collected for assisted suicide and euthanasia, create minimum national standards amongst the provinces, and review the effectiveness and enforceability of the current safeguards,” continued Hayward. 

“We are happy to work closely with the government and opposition Members of Parliament and Senators to implement the special joint committee’s recommendation. We look forward to working with a variety of political parties on this pro-life issue in Parliament.”

About RightNow:

RightNow is a not-for-profit organization committed to nominating and electing pro-life candidates along with educating and engaging pro-life Canadians on the political process. Regardless of faith, politics or background, RightNow works with people across the country to stand up for human rights for all human beings.

Media Contacts:

ALISSA GOLOB 587-435-0166
SCOTT HAYWARD 204-573-0296