Iain Black Calls for Balance in MAID Policy to Protect Choice and Care Providers
DELTA, BC — BC Conservative leadership candidate Iain Black is calling for a more balanced approach to medical assistance in dying (MAID) in British Columbia—one that protects patient choice while respecting the rights of care providers.
Black pointed to the case of the Delta Hospice Society, which lost control of the Irene Thomas Hospice in 2021 after refusing to provide MAID services, resulting in the loss of provincial funding and a government takeover of the facility.
“This situation highlights a growing concern in British Columbia,” Black said. “While MAID is a legal option, organizations providing palliative care should not be forced to offer it as a condition of receiving public funding.”
Black emphasized that compassionate end-of-life care must respect for differing approaches to care.
“As Premier, I would ensure British Columbia supports a system where care providers are not penalized for focusing on palliative care in line with their values,” he said.
Black added that a future BC Conservative government would work to ensure policies protect both patient choice and the integrity of health care providers.
“This is about balance—ensuring dignity, choice, and respect for everyone involved in end-of-life care.”