Canada edges closer to a grim milestone of 100,000 deaths via its Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program, exceeding the nation’s World War II fatalities and outpacing every other modern country with legalized euthanasia.
The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) estimates 94,125 MAID deaths from the program’s 2016 legalization through the end of 2025. Analysts project Canada will hit the 100,000 mark by mid-to-late April 2026.
Accelerating Pace in Key Regions
Ontario reported 5,303 MAID deaths in 2025, a 7.2% increase from 2024, indicating the trend continues to rise rather than stabilize.
Health Canada’s Sixth Annual Report confirms 76,475 cumulative MAID deaths through December 31, 2024. The 2024 total reached 16,499, comprising 5.1% of all Canadian deaths and reflecting a 6.9% year-over-year growth.
Outpacing Global Peers
Canada’s figures dwarf international counterparts. The United States tallied 5,329 assisted deaths over 23 years in states permitting the practice. Belgium recorded 33,647 across two decades, and Switzerland logged 8,738 in a similar timeframe.
The Netherlands holds the highest share at 5.8% of total deaths but, due to its smaller population, saw only 9,958 cases in 2024—far below Canada’s 16,499.
Alarms from Disability Community
Disability advocates raise serious concerns about MAID’s scope. Roger Foley, a Canadian living with an incurable brain disease, recounted how caregivers promoted MAID as his hospital exit option. “I’m fighting to my last breath, but I’m up against a regime that is cruel, desensitized, and out for blood,” Foley stated.
Officials plan to expand MAID to individuals with mental illness as their sole condition starting March 2027, after two prior delays.
