Dear Friends,

Medical Assistance in dying is a complex and personal issue for many Canadians. When our government passed Bill C-14, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (Medical Assistance in Dying), we had to act in a short time frame provided by the court. I have heard from many of you on this subject and this is an opportunity for you to share directly with the Federal government your feedback, thoughts, and experiences on this deeply personal issue.

In response to the Superior Court of Quebec's decision in Truchon v. Attorney General of Canada, our government has committed to updating Canada's legislation on medical assistance in dying. 

As a government, we have a responsibility to review the Medical Assistance in Dying Legislation in a compassionate and balanced matter to ensure any update reflects the views of Canadians on this important issue. 

This important consultation is open until next Monday, January 27th, at 11:59pm (PST). 

I encourage you to participate in this consultation process and help guide the government's path forward on this important legislation regarding eligibility, safeguards, and advanced requests. 

To learn more, and participate, in the ongoing consultation, please consult the link found here.

Further to the consultation on Medical Assistance in Dying eligibility criteria and request process, the current legislation requires a Parliamentary review of the law's provisions, as well as the state of the palliative care in Canada, by one or more committees, starting at the beginning of the fifth year after becoming law. This would be in the summer of 2020. This review will allow for further public and parliamentary debate on all aspects of Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. 

If you have any questions, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I look forward to hearing your feedback on this important issue.

Sincerely,


Karina