The following letter was written by Lynn Musto and provides insight into an important issue that is before our government. It also offers guidance in how you can graciously participate in the discussion and decision making process.
Lynn is a member at Redemption, and if you would like to discuss the letter below with her or ask for additional details, she can be contacted at: [email protected].

January 21, 2016
 
On Saturday MPs John Aldaq and Marc Warawa were in Langley to hold a public meeting regarding Physician Assisted Dying.  Both MPs are on the Special Joint Committee struck in July by the outgoing Conservative government and their purpose was to make recommendations on the framework of a federal response on physician-assisted dying. Given that it was an election year, very little was able to done by the committee.  The new incoming government asked for, and was granted, an extension on the time to develop legislation that would serve as a response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Carter vs Canada.  The committee was granted a four-month extension and had their first meeting was held on January 18th. . The committee is on a very tight timeline.  The public meeting was advertised on Thursday, held on Saturday, on Sunday Mark Warawa and John Aldaq returned to Ottawa to present their findings to the Joint Committee on Monday. 
 
I listened to many members of the public speak very eloquently to significant concerns regarding Physician-Assisted Dying.  While people spoke to both sides of the issue, it was apparent that many felt the tight timeline placed upon the Joint Committee neither allowed enough time for full public consultation, nor provided sufficient time for the Committee to produce thoughtful and comprehensive recommendations on such a complex issue.  There was a clear call from members of the public to the MPs to return to Ottawa and advocate for further extension so the Joint Committee had adequate time to consult with the public, review evidence from other countries who allow Euthanasia or Physician-Assisted Dying, and thoroughly explore both the intended and unintended consequences of Physician-Assisted Dying. 
 
I am encouraging you to write to the Joint Committee and their local MP and request that more time is given for public consultation and the development of recommendations that reflect Canadian values and discern what Canadians would actually want to see in legislation for Physician-Assisted Dying. 
 
If you do not know who your local MP is, you can find him or her by going to this website:
http://www.lop.parl.gc.ca/ParlInfo/compilations/houseofcommons/memberbypostalcode.aspx?Menu=HOC  
 
Website for the Special Joint Committee on Physician Assisted Dying: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Committees/en/PDAM
​