OTTAWA – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, recently delivered her constituents’ views to the House of Commons’ Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying.
On Feb. 6, 2015 the Supreme Court of Canada said that our current law that makes it illegal for anyone to help a person end their own life should be amended to allow doctors to help in specific circumstances. The Supreme Court gave the federal government 12 months plus a four-month extension to craft the new legislation in response to this ruling.
“In the spring of 2015, I reached out to the constituents of Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, asking for their position on this important and difficult topic,” MP McLeod said.
“Since last June, I have received a significant majority of responses that agreed with the Supreme Court decision. I want to express my appreciation for those who took the time to share their personal experiences with me. There were so many well thought-out, quality suggestions that I have forwarded them to the Committee for their consideration,” stated McLeod.
The Special Committee was convened on Jan. 22, and is currently holding a series of public consultations to hear from experts and stakeholders with the goal of reporting back to Parliament with legislative suggestions by Feb. 26.