Bill C-260

Preventing Coercion of Persons Not Seeking Medical Assistance in Dying Act

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying — protection against coercion)

Sponsor

Garnett Genuis Conservative

Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)

Status

Second reading (House), as of April 29, 2026

Subscribe to a feed (what's a feed?) of speeches and votes in the House related to Bill C-260.

Summary

This is from the published bill.

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to make it an offence for certain persons in certain circumstances to initiate a discussion with a person about the availability to them of medical assistance in dying, knowing that they have not specifically requested to have such a discussion.

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-260s:

C-260 (2022) Canada Post-Secondary Education Act

C-260 (2020) An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act

C-260 (2016) An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act (deduction of disability pensions)

C-260 (2013) An Act to amend the Statistics Act (mandatory long-form census questionnaire)

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-260 proposes amending the Criminal Code to prohibit government bureaucrats from proactively suggesting medical assistance in dying to individuals. The legislation aims to prevent the alleged coercion of vulnerable people seeking public services, while explicitly exempting licensed medical professionals from these new restrictions.

Conservative

Prevent unsolicited MAID suggestions: The Conservatives propose prohibiting government officials and bureaucrats from suggesting medical assistance in dying to individuals who have not requested information about it, ensuring that death is not pushed on those seeking help.
Protect dignity and combat discrimination: The party argues that unsolicited MAID offers degrade the inherent value of the elderly and persons with disabilities, treating them as expendable or useless rather than as individuals with full human agency and rights.
Stop coercion of veterans: Citing instances where veterans were offered MAID instead of benefits or accessibility equipment, the party emphasizes the need for legislative safeguards to prevent bureaucrats from using euthanasia as a substitute for providing necessary services.
Codify criminal consequences: Bill C-260 introduces a new Criminal Code offence to deter government employees in positions of trust from coercing vulnerable Canadians, establishing a minimum legal standard of protection for those accessing public services.

Bloc

Values Quebec's leadership: Members emphasize Quebec's history of creating a compassionate, non-partisan framework for medical assistance in dying that prioritizes human dignity and the lived experiences of patients and families.
Critiques the bill's focus: Gaudreau argues that the bill mistakenly seeks to punish discussions about care options rather than addressing the underlying behavior of those who may systematically suggest medical assistance in dying to vulnerable individuals.
Concerns over service delays: The Bloc suggests the government should focus on systemic failures, such as long wait times for veterans, noting that inadequate support can lead to the unbearable psychological suffering that pushes individuals toward MAID.

Liberal

Unnecessary legislation based on fear: The party rejects Bill C-260 as a "solution in search of a problem," characterizing it as an attempt to stoke fear in faith communities using unverified accusations and anecdotes.
Addressing isolated incidents: Following an investigation into inappropriate discussions regarding medical assistance in dying, the government found only isolated incidents involving a single former employee and has since implemented robust safeguards and training.
Commitment to veteran care: The Liberal party asserts that medical assistance in dying is not a Veterans Affairs Canada service; the department's focus remains on providing compassionate support, benefits, and rehabilitation to help veterans thrive.
Rigorous staff training protocols: Frontline employees receive extensive training to refer medical assistance in dying inquiries to primary care providers, ensuring they maintain strict professional boundaries while assisting veterans with navigating health benefits.

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Preventing Coercion of Persons Not Seeking Medical Assistance in Dying ActPrivate Members' Business

April 29th, 2026 / 6:30 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker John Nater

The time provided for the consideration of Private Members' Business has now expired, and the order is dropped to the bottom of the order of precedence on the Order Paper.