Rob Oliphant M.P., Co-Chair of the Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying, presented the committee’s report, Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient-Centered Approach, in the House of Commons today. The report provides the Government of Canada with recommendations to implement legislation in accord with the Supreme Court of Canada’s Carter decision. This ruling stated that the prohibition of medical assistance in dying was contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Special Joint Committee heard from 61 witnesses and received over 120 written briefs since its first meeting on January 18, 2016. It also heard from a variety of faith based groups, disability organizations, academics, healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups.
The committee worked diligently in a non-partisan manner to present a report to parliament that balances the rights of Canadians to access medical assistance in dying and protects vulnerable populations and our medical professionals.