OTTAWA – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo responded recently to the introduction of Bill C-14, Medical Assistance in Dying.
“This past year constituents have told me how highly complex and deeply sensitive this issue is for them,” said McLeod. “I promised that I would analyze this legislation thoroughly in hopes that it addressed some of their very serious concerns.”
The legislation states that there should be a choice of medically-assisted death for adults who are suffering intolerably and for whom death is reasonably foreseeable. Those eligible to seek that help must be mentally competent, 18 or older, have a serious and incurable disease, illness or disability and be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability.
“The dissenting report that was produced by Members of Parliament from the Conservative party included recommendations to exclude minors, include stringent safeguards to protect those with underlying medical health challenges; and recognize the risks involved with advanced directives,” stated McLeod. “All of these recommendations were included in Bill C-14.”
“Going forward, I will be studying the complexity of this legislation, particularly the protection of vulnerable populations and the conscience rights of workers and institutions in the health care sector. I look forward to participating and listening to the debate at second reading prior to making my decision on how to vote,” concluded McLeod.