North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney is seeking public feedback over the next two weeks as the federal government holds consultations on amendments to Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) regulations.
The consultation and timeline comes as a result of a Quebec Supreme Court decision that found the existing law too restrictive.
Blaney remembers how important this issue was to her constituents when the law was first introduced in 2016.
“When MAiD first came up for debate in the House of Commons, there were many constituents that contacted my office,” she said in a news release. “This is a subject close to heart for a lot of people in this riding, and I don’t want them to miss out on this opportunity to provide input into any coming changes.”
Three primary topics are up for debate during these consultations: mature minors, advance consent, and mental illness without physical illness.
“I would like to hear about people’s experiences in our riding so I can bring these concerns into the House, and make the best possible changes to prevent excessive suffering and to keep people safe,” Blaney said.
Feedback can be submitted directly to the Department of Justice through an online questionnaire at www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cons/ad-am/index.html, and through Blaney’s office at rachel.blaney@parl.gc.ca or 1-800-667-8404.
The consultations are open online until Jan. 27 at 11:59 p.m.