Translate Politics Parliament in plain language.

Back to the statement

Analysis · beta

David Bexte

Conservative on Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act

Replying to Dominique O'Rourke (Liberal)
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Homewood Research Institute, which is based in Guelph and is a global leader in mental health research, for the really incredible webinar it did outlining why it was important not to proceed with permitting medical assistance in dying for folks who have a chronic mental illness. Part of that is to continue to give them hope and to make sure that nationally we provide access to care. What I am concerned about when listening to the debate tonight is that I feel like there is some level of disparagement toward the palliative care practitioners in this country and the people who administer MAID, who absolutely seek the consent of people and accompany them with dignity in their final moments. I just want to make sure that we are not straying into that space. I would also point out that if we sign a “do not resuscitate” order, that order is respected should it come to that in a hospital. An advance directive is essentially the same thing.”

Not analysed yet

A requested analysis is usually ready within half an hour; come back to this page or reload it.

Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the genuine question from the member opposite. I have been through the palliative care process with my father and other members of my family, and I understand completely the compassion of health care providers and their desire to provide the standard of care that we have come to expect. However, that does not take away from the circumstance that we find ourselves contemplating, where long periods of time can transpire between the order and the action, with a changing in circumstances and a changing in the understanding of the patient and how well the practitioner can understand what the patient wants. We cannot make a mistake.