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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 283

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 15, 2024 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 283 - Feb/15/24
Ms. Anita Vandenbeld (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, Lib.)
  • Feb/15/24 1:59:20 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we know that medical assistance in dying is a deeply personal issue that is very difficult. I wonder if my hon. colleague could talk about the fact that we need to base this on principles of personal autonomy, dignity and choice.
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Context: House Hansard - 283 - Feb/15/24
Mr. Damien Kurek
  • Feb/15/24 3:30:48 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, there is a lot to unpack there. I appreciate the question. Certainly, it speaks to how, in so many circumstances, whether it be women, people of colour or those who are in a lower socio-economic bracket, they are often the ones who end up being, in some cases, encouraged to pursue things like medical assistance in dying. There needs to be dignity given to the value of their lives just as much as any other Canadian. I find it so troubling that we seem to not be acknowledging those facts and that we are putting the most vulnerable in our country at risk of the most final decision that could possibly be imagined, and that is death. We need to always prioritize life and treatment above that of death.
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Context: House Hansard - 283 - Feb/15/24
Mr. Mark Gerretsen (Kingston and the Islands, Lib.)
  • Feb/15/24 5:02:11 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan just suggested that somebody like my father-in-law, who was laying in a hospital bed with a brain tumour bulging out of his head, knowing full well that it was only a matter of days before he died, and who wanted to die with some form of dignity while his family was around him— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Mr. Mark Gerretsen: Can the Conservative member for Barrie—Innisfil please not heckle me just this one time, possibly? I am wondering if the member would agree that perhaps it is extremely inconsiderate to think that somebody who realizes what the future holds for them, and who wants to die with some dignity, and that perhaps they can be saved from a bit of the pain, is thinking about more than just committing suicide?
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