Pass Dan’s Law before next election

As I watch news about wildfires blazing in British Columbia, it reminds me of a similar scene that played out in Fort McMurray, Alta., last summer.

It also reminds me of my patient, Dan Duma, who died last summer without the care he needed when he moved from Alberta to Ontario to escape the fires, and be closer to home and family, as he received end of life care for terminal cancer.

Bill 54, otherwise known as Dan’s Law, passed second reading in the Ontario Legislature on Nov. 17, 2016, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. This private member’s bill was moved by MPP Lisa Gretzky in order to provide much-needed support for dying patients.

Canadians who move to Ontario and require palliative care should not be subject to the typical threemonth wait to be eligible for OHIP services.

As a doctor, I know that there is no medical justification for the waiting period, and I believe that in these circumstances, we should afford Canadians and permanent residents the ability to be closer to family and to have access to medically necessary palliative care in Ontario.

The benefits of home and palliative care are not only medical but also serve to support family members and caregivers.

Ontario’s doctors advocate for patients to ensure they get the care they need. I would like to encourage all Ontarians to ask their MPPs to support Dan’s Law and work to pass this important legislation in a timely manner.

With a provincial election guaranteed by next summer, there is a risk Dan’s Law may not be passed in time. Another summer should not pass without closing this loophole in patient care. Dr. Darren Cargill, Windsor