On Parliament Hill

The topic of physician assisted suicide has dominated the media recently. As you know, the Supreme Court of Canada has found the current Criminal Code prohibition on physician-assisted suicide to be constitutionally invalid and the Liberal Government has drafted a new law, Bill C-14, to address this issue.

As the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, it is my job, along with my committee colleagues, to do an in-depth study of this bill – in a very short time period. This clause by clause study will go well into the evenings this week and next as we dissect this very complex issue.

As a committee, we will be considering whether to amend the bill as we work to meet a June 6th Supreme Court-imposed deadline to pass legislation.

This is a very difficult and deeply sensitive issue with strong views on both sides.

I have been very clear that I do not support physician-assisted suicide as I believe it will significantly undermine the right to life in Canada. However, recognizing that there will be a law enacted, I have expressed my concerns to the Liberal Government regarding the need for effective safeguards to be in place to protect the most vulnerable. I believe that children, the elderly, and those experiencing mental illness all must have their right to life underscored and reaffirmed. I also remain concerned about the long-term protection of the conscience rights of physicians and other health care professionals.

While I anticipate voting against Bill C-14, I am committed to supporting positive alternatives such as the strengthening of patient focused palliative care services for all Canadians. There was unanimous agreement from the Special Joint Committee studying physician-assisted suicide of the need for a pan-Canadian strategy on palliative care with dedicated funding. This is needed in order to ensure that those suffering will experience the best care possible. After all, there is no real choice for Canadians facing end-of-life decisions without adequate palliative care options available to them.

What I find terribly disappointing is that the Liberals broke their election promise to invest $3 billion in long term care, including palliative care. We know that the desire for physician assisted suicide is just about non-existent with proper palliative care. If the Liberals had kept their promise to invest the funding needed into long term and palliative care, the desire for physician-assisted suicide would be greatly reduced.

Residents here in Provencher have been very engaged and vocal on this issue. The majority have indicated that they believe life is precious and want me to strongly oppose any legislation that would open the door for physician assisted suicide. And that is exactly what I plan to do.

While I anticipate voting against Bill C-14, I am committed to supporting positive alternatives such as the strengthening of patient focused palliative care services for all Canadians.