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His wife died by suicide. He wants the government to reconsider its MAID bill

Following the Oct. 25 suicide of his wife, Diane McDowell, widower David Slater is urging Parliament to revisit Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying rules. McDowell, 71, was ineligible for the procedure despite her decades-long struggle with mental illness.
A litigation lawyer for more than 30 years, McDowell managed her mental illness through treatment at Homewood Health Centre and psychiatric wards, yet struggled with debilitating panic attacks that sometimes took eight or nine hours to subside.
Slater recalled his wife saying, "I don't want to die, but I don't want to live like this," during a conversation about a month and a half before her death. He believes MAID would have allowed her to maintain dignity.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser introduced legislation in late October that would ban MAID for mental illness as a sole underlying condition. Fraser, who lost a childhood friend to mental illness weeks ago, said he aims to "preserve life where possible."
Parliament continues to debate the legislation, which could pass in the coming months. For individuals struggling with mental health, support is available 24-7 by calling or texting 988, Canada's national suicide prevention helpline.

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The Toronto Star

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His wife died by suicide. He wants the government to reconsider its MAID bill

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, support is available 24-7 by calling or texting 988, Canada’s national suicide prevention helpline.

1 hour ago·Toronto, Canada

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