Government of Canada moves motion to amend Bill C-14 - Medical Assistance in Dying

News Release

Amendments respect personal choice while protecting vulnerable persons

June 16, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – Government of Canada

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."

Associated Links

Contacts

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

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Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould Hon. Jane Philpott Government of Canada Law

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