FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2020
LONDON, ON – Today, the Federal Government resumed efforts to expand access to euthanasia in Canada with the tabling of Bill C-7: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying).
The Bill’s language is identical to that of its predecessor (also named Bill C-7) which had previously expired with the prorogation of Parliament last month. As discussed in CLF’s previous analysis, passage of this legislation will fundamentally redefine the nature and role of euthanasia by making it available to individuals who are not dying, and who may have years left to live.
MAiD was initially presented as an exceptional mechanism, to be employed only to hasten an already-imminent death, in order to prevent suffering in the final stages of the dying process. However, in just four years since its legalization in Canada, it is being expanded far beyond this limited role.
Although Bill C-7 purports to respond to the Superior Court of Quebec’s 2019 decision in Truchon, the legislation goes much further, proposing even more expansive changes than that court prescribed. For example, the Bill proposes to remove several key safeguards from Canada’s current euthanasia regime. Specifically, for some patients, it would remove the current mandatory 10-day waiting period and decrease the number of independent witnesses to a MAiD request from two to just one. In some cases, it would also remove the requirement that an individual’s consent be confirmed immediately prior to having his or her life terminated.
CLF is deeply concerned that expanding euthanasia in these ways will severely undermine society’s commitment to the equal worth of all people, including those with disabilities. If passed, euthanasia will no longer be an exceptional remedy to hasten a painful death, but a widely available and state-sponsored means of ending a patient’s life. CLF is also concerned, for the reasons discussed in our previous analysis, that this legislation could dramatically increase the risk of vulnerable patients having their lives terminated against their true wishes.
CLF is urging the government to respond to these concerns through meaningful amendments to this Bill. We remain committed to working with other organizations to uphold the dignity of those who choose to live with disabilities and illnesses, and to ensure they are not deprived of the services and societal supports that they deserve, and that justice requires.
Further reading:
Summary and Analysis of Bill C-7
The fundamental risk of expanding Medical Assistance in Dying (Policy Options, February 19, 2010)
What’s the purpose of Canada’s MAID Law? (Truchon case comment)
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For additional information, please contact:
Ruth A.M. Ross
Special Advisor
519-601-4099
ramross@christianlegalfellowship.org