Manitoba passes legislation protecting conscience in health care

On November 10, 2017, the Government of Manitoba passed The Medical Assistance in Dying (Protection for Health Professionals and Others) Act. The legislation specifically protects the rights of those who refuse to aid in the provision of medical assistance in dying on the basis of his or her personal convictions. These provisions reflect recommendations made by CLF to the Manitoba government last year, which explained why forcing health care providers to participate in facilitating the death of a patient would violate the Charter. Litigation is ongoing in Ontario and Quebec on this very issue – CLF has intervened in Ontario and Quebec in support of conscience rights.