QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying
December 7, 2022
Senator Gold, the opposition’s question made me think of the debate on medical assistance in dying. I had serious reservations about expanding eligibility to medical assistance in dying to people suffering from mental illness only.
In the past few weeks and days, people have been speaking out against this change, which is set to take effect in mid-March. Some are saying that we are not ready, and it’s not just anybody.
It includes the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada, which includes the heads of psychiatry departments at all 17 medical schools.
Are you going to postpone the implementation of this change?
Thank you for the question. It is a serious issue.
The government is aware of the concerns expressed not only by several doctors and doctors’ groups, but also by some provinces and territories that are taking the issue seriously and reflecting on what should be done.
That being said, a report being prepared for February will contain some recommendations on this subject, and the government will take all of this into consideration before making a decision.
