Government of Canada Moves Motion to Amend Bill C-14 - Medical Assistance in Dying

Amendments respect personal choice while protecting vulnerable persons


OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 16, 2016) -

Today, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, made the following statement upon moving a motion in the House of Commons:

"Medical assistance in dying is a difficult and deeply personal issue for many, tied to our life experiences and personal beliefs. On behalf of the Government of Canada, we acknowledge the depth and quality of the work that our honourable colleagues in the Senate undertook in their review of Bill C-14. The number of amendments that were presented and thoroughly debated speaks volumes - not only about the complexity of the issue at hand - but also about‎ the dedication with which Senators sought to improve this legislation.

There are a number of areas where the Senate brought forward important amendments that will improve the legislation and that we will support. However, we cannot support the amendment that will substantially change the important balance between individual autonomy and the protection of vulnerable persons, as we carefully designed in the Bill passed by the House of Commons.

This legislation represents the right approach for Canada at this important time in our country's history, and it is important that we have it in place as soon as possible."

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Medical Assistance in Dying

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Contact Information:

Michael Davis
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations Office
Department of Justice
613-957-4207

Andrew MacKendrick
Minister of Health Spokesperson
Office of the Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983