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Kristina Tesser Derksen

Liberal on Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act 2026-11-04

Replying to Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal)

“Madam Speaker, I want to address the issue of courts and of public discussion and debates that have taken place over the years. I remember, from the early 1990s, the late Sue Rodriguez and what she ultimately had to go through. Her case went all the way to the Supreme Court. I believe it was a split decision, 5-4 or something of that nature, and she lost. The point is that we have been debating this issue for decades now. When I reflect back, I think it is important that Parliament address the issue head-on, which is what I see Parliament continuing to do, and hopefully there will be progress. I wonder if the member could provide her thoughts on the importance of public opinion, courts and so forth?”

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Madam Speaker, as I said, the split decision in Rodriguez actually exemplifies how complex the debate is, because it is a very personal choice. It is a very personal decision. Each of us brings value lenses to this discussion. In fact, that is precisely why we need to let individual Canadians make these decisions for themselves. They have to be properly informed, and they can be in consultation with whomever they choose, such as their family, but it is a choice we give to Canadians. In fact, the Supreme Court has told us that it is enshrined in the charter under Canadians’ section 7 rights of liberty and security of the person.