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Here’s a quick update on Bill C-7:

Bill C-7 is currently before the Senate. The Senate committee is set to begin formal study on February 2nd. Click here to consult the Senate Committee pre-study report.

Despite some success in staving off the process of implementation of Bill C-7, we are clearly aware that we still face significant challenges to protecting the most vulnerable of our society. The deadline for the implementation of the Truchon decision has been extended until February 26, 2021. Hence, the next few weeks are critical in voicing your concerns and opinions regarding Bill C-7. Your clinical and personal experiences are unique and can contribute significantly to the Bill C-7 debate. That is why we strongly encourage you to write to your Senators to inform them of the implications of Bill C-7 on medical practice.

Please click here to obtain Senate Contact Information. Note that Senators are not associated with ridings but are named from provinces.

We recommend that you email or call a Senator and request the following:

1. That MAiD discussions be initiated by patients only.
2. That doctors should never bring up the subject of MAiD as a treatment option (to avoid subtle patient coercion in the context of despair or suicidality)
3. Stronger conscience rights for those directly and/or indirectlyinvolved in MAiD.
4. Accessibility to and provision for meaningful care (including medical, disability, home and social supports) and that MAiD be an option of last resort.
5. Oversight mechanisms to ensure: compliance with regulations, provision of appropriate medical care to patients and no forms of abuse are detected before the lethal injection is given.

Western University Grand Rounds presentation recording:
If you were unable to attend the Western University Grand Rounds presentation by Dr Ramona Coelho, withguest speakers Dr Valerie Schultz, Dr Leonie Herx, & Gabrielle Peters), click here to watch a recording of the presentation, Expanding Medical Assistance in Dying: Implications on Medical Practice.

You can also download the presentation handout (see attachment) which includes resources and political advocacy tips.

Upcoming Conference:

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and the Physicians for Compassionate Care are offering an informative and directional free online zoom conference on euthanasia and assisted suicide on Saturday January 23, (10 am to 4:30 pm) (EST).

The theme is: Preventing the spread of euthanasia and assisted suicide – What you need to know. 

There is no cost to attend the conference but registration is required. The following link will enable you to register (LINK). 
For more details and registration, please click here: Conference

Sincerely,

Catherine Ferrier
President