SUPPORT FOR MAID

Parliament has been so overwhelmed by COVID-19 this year that other social policy issues have fallen to the wayside. Bill C-7, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), is one of those important issues. Originally planned to be dealt with in the spring session, it was delayed until this fall. The federal government was granted an extension (delay) to implement amendments to the existing legislation in March and June 2020 by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). Parliament now has only two months to push those amendments through the Commons and the Senate. The new deadline is Dec. 18, 2020 as directed by the SCC.

Dying with Dignity, P.E.I. Chapter is relieved to see that this past week the federal government re-introduced legislative amendments to Canada's MAID law. These amendments, amongst others, include eliminating the existing eligibility clause of "reasonably foreseeability of natural death" and introducing provisions to ensure that a patient can access maid even if they lose their capacity prior to their anticipated natural death. If this legislation is passed, it will be an important victory for establishing Canadians' right to control their own lives and choose a death with dignity.

The Guardian is to be congratulated for its forthright editorial (Give assisted-dying bill its due, Oct 7), endorsing the federal government's initiative as directed by the Supreme Court of Canada. We encourage all those who want the right to choose a peaceful, dignified death to contact their member of Parliament. The second reading of the legislation is planned to occur soon. Please contact your MP by email or phone and leave a message supporting them. Speaking out is important.

Judy Delima,

Co-chair, DWD, P.E.I., North Rustico