Several sources have indicated that Canadian food bank clients and handicapped seniors suffering financial hardship are now considering physician-assisted suicide to escape living in poverty.

"Based on the Canadian law's standards, practically everyone with a chronic medical condition, such as those with disabilities, can be accepted for euthanasia," said Alex Schadenberg, executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.

"Therefore, people with disabilities request euthanasia based on poverty, homelessness, or an inability to acquire necessary medical treatment, yet they are granted euthanasia based on their condition," he continued.

Meghan Nicholls, chief executive officer of the Mississauga Food Bank in Mississauga, Ontario, a city west of Toronto, stated that demand had grown by 60% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  November 30th column for the Canadian newsmagazine Maclean's, she stated that her food bank network currently helps 30,000 people annually.

Les Landry, a 65-year-old former truck driver, is one of those looking for assisted suicide. He and his assistance dog have made Medicine Hat, Alberta home. His disability check stopped when he reached 65, and the rent increase in January is very certain to wipe out the last $120 he has each month after covering basic needs and medications.

Landry, who is wheelchair-bound and battles from diabetes and epilepsy, was able to get by financially until his disability benefits were converted to those for the elderly. The physician who examined him prior to his assisted suicide attempt was informed about his recent doubt.

“I knew what I was allowed. I knew what was covered. I said, ‘Now everything’s up in the air, and it’s the unknown. I have a disability, yet I don't qualify as a disabled person¨

As long as their medical condition is "grievous and irremediable," Canadian law permits individuals with nonterminal illnesses to seek assisted suicide. As per the law, assisted suicide requests must be reviewed and approved by two medical professionals.

A second medical opinion is needed before Landry can proceed. He can get a third opinion if the second one doesn't provide his approval.

Assistant professor at the University of Toronto and palliative care specialist Dr. Naheed Dosani told that Canada has "literally made it easier for people with disabilities to die with dignity through MAID than live with dignity through access to housing, income support, food security, and medication coverage."

Dosani advocated a pause to the further expansion of assisted suicide and enhanced social support.

Canada will legalize assisted suicide for those with mental health conditions in March 2023.

Canada has gone from being a global leader in euthanasia prohibition to a global leader in euthanasia permissiveness in just six years. He made the remarks at the Vancouver Holy Rosary Cathedral's White Mass for doctors and other medical workers on October 29. "And much more access could be coming, including allowing "mature minors' to request it," he warned.

So that Canadians don't feel coerced into assisted suicide, Catholic dioceses are participating in the "No Options, No Choice" lobbying movement, which seeks to persuade provincial governments to allocate more funds for palliative care, mental health, and social and housing services.

The Canadian Association of Psychologists has advocated for a moratorium on expanding assisted suicide to people with mental illness until a consultation and safety review can be conducted.