Question of Privilege

Your Honour, I rise on a point of privilege.

Details of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying’s in camera consideration of the question of access to medical assistance in dying for those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness were shared with the media widely today. This was inappropriate and, I believe, in violation of the Rules regarding an in camera session.

Only one perspective was shared: the view that this right should be denied. They did not share the fact that there were dissenting views and profoundly different perspectives.

We had many witnesses testify that this matter, precisely because of the irreconcilable views, should be referred to the Supreme Court of Canada.

The report had not yet been tabled. It is not yet tabled. Senators have the right to first be informed of the conclusions of this report.

I ask Your Honour to consider referring this matter to the Rules Committee to investigate the leaks, the breach of the Rules and my privilege as a senator.

I make this request because the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying will no longer exist once the report is tabled tomorrow. I believe the Rules Committee would be the only venue to investigate this matter.

Thank you, Your Honour.