Medical assistance in dying and mental illness will be the topic of discussion at a Saturday (Nov. 25) forum being held in Brantford.
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The forum, organized by Brantford-Brant MP Larry Brock, begins at noon at the Sherwood Restaurant. To register visit www.LarryBrockMP.ca/maid.
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Medical assistance in dying became legal in Canada in 2016 following changes to the Criminal Code. The changes exempt doctors and nurse practitioners who provide medical assistance in dying.
The legislation gives those suffering intolerably during the dying process the option of having a medically assisted death to end their suffering.
Federal legislation defines who can apply for medical assisted death and sets out safeguards doctors and nurse practitioners must follow before providing it.
At present, those suffering solely from a mental illness are not eligible for medically-assisted death. However, that is scheduled to change on March 17, 2024 and the Conservative Party has raised concerns about the government’s plans.
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Ed Fast, the MP for Abbotsford, BC, has introduced a private member’s bill which would reverse the government’s plan to extend assisted death to the mentally ill.
Fast is one four Conservative MPs who will be speaking at Saturday’s forum. He will be joined by Michael Cooper, MP for St. Albert-Edmonton, Dr. Stephen Ellis, MP for Cumberland-Colchester, NS, Tako Van Popta, MP for Langley-Aldergrove, BC.
All of the speakers are Conservative Party of Canada members.
To learn more about the legislation visit www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-services-benefits/medical-assistance-dying.html.
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