Bill C-14, The Medical Assistance in Dying Act

Michael Wise | May 18, 2016

My response to Scott Reid's request for guidance on how he should vote on Bill C-14.

In considering this legislation, the question before us is not whether or not one agrees with medically assisted death per se, on that, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It is, rather, the right of the individual to participate, as the subject or as an assistant, in a medically assisted death free of interference by others.

Every person has the inherent right to seek and employ the assistance of others in terminating their own life when, in their own opinion, that life has become unbearable and they see no significant chance of their suffering being alleviated.

No person, regardless of their beliefs, has the right to prevent another from providing such assistance or to require that another do so.

The Supreme Court, in its clear and unanimous declaration of February 6, 2015, has indicated that it fully appreciates the wishes of the majority of Canadians and that it understands and supports their right to make their own decisions in this matter.

If enacted, the restrictive provisions of Bill C-14 will, on appeal, be overturned by the Supreme Court. In the interim, they would impose unnecessary and unconscionable suffering on several Canadians. This bill must not be approved. Let the unfettered ruling of the Supreme Court stand until equitable, reasonable and responsible legislation is presented to, and approved by, the parliament of Canada.