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Well-known storyteller Robert Munsch has received approval for assisted death in Canada.

Munsch, whose 85 published books include The Paper Bag Princess, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and is affected by a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

He explained that he had not decided a final day, but shared he would proceed "when I start having major challenges talking and communicating."

Canada initially permitted assisted dying in 2016 for individuals facing life-ending conditions. In 2021, the rules were amended to apply to those with significant ongoing physical conditions, even in non-terminal cases.

Munsch has sold over 80 million copies of his books in North America alone and his stories have been rendered in at least 20 languages—among them multiple global and local dialects.

In 1999, Munsch was inducted of the prestigious national order. In 2009, he received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame downtown Toronto.

Munsch explained that his choice was shaped by observing his brother die from Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

He commented, "They kept him alive via numerous procedures. I felt, let him die."

In Canada, individuals over 18 must satisfy several conditions to be eligible for medical assistance in dying.

Requirements involve having a "severe irreversible disease", making a "voluntary request" that is free from external pressure, and being in an "late stage of unavoidable degradation in ability".

A pair of separate healthcare providers must then evaluate the individual to confirm that every necessary criteria are met.

Munsch's publishing house remarked that his choice to share openly about end-of-life options "reminds us why Robert's legacy continues to touch many generations."

Munsch's offspring, Julie, wrote that her father's choice to opt for assisted death was determined in 2019.

Julie referred to the article as "great", but clarified that "at no point is it suggested my dad isn't doing well, or that he's leaving us anytime soon."

As per the country’s legislation, the individual must be able to actively consent on the time of their passing.

Munsch emphasized, "I have to pick the point while I am still able for it."

Assisted death made up 4.7% of deaths in Canada in 2023, per the most recent public records.

Some 96 percent of the those who chose assisted dying who opted for assisted dying in 2023 had a outcome considered "expected soon", due to critical diagnoses such as cancer.