Discussion · Government Orders
Judy A. Sgro Liberal
“This bill stops people with mental illness from getting medically assisted dying right now, and it adds more protections for vulnerable people. The provinces have more money for mental health care, but it is still not enough. I want people with mental illness to get the care they need instead of asking for assisted dying. What does the member think is good enough mental health care?”
“Mr. Speaker, a lot of thought went into my colleague’s comments. I think we all share the same objectives, which is why this particular legislation is being brought forward, so that at this particular time, people who are suffering from mental illness would not have access to MAID. Part of the additions in this proposed legislation are to make sure there are other areas where we can put in further protections for people. None of us want to see anybody denied their rights as a Canadian. We want to ensure they not only have the maximum amount of protection necessary, but also receive the services. In the last couple of years, there has been a lot of emphasis put on mental health, finally. A lot of funds have gone to the provinces. A lot more help is available, but it is still not enough. I would hope that people suffering from mental illness would not have to look to MAID any time, not now or ever in the future, because they could get access to the kind of health care they need. I would like my colleague to comment on what he thinks is adequate health care when it comes to mental health.”
Mr. Speaker, a lot of thought went into my colleague’s comments. I think we all share the same objectives, which is why this particular legislation is being brought forward, so that at this particular time, people who are suffering from mental illness would not have access to MAID. Part of the additions in this proposed legislation are to make sure there are other areas where we can put in further protections for people. None of us want to see anybody denied their rights as a Canadian. We want to ensure they not only have the maximum amount of protection necessary, but also receive the services. In the last couple of years, there has been a lot of emphasis put on mental health, finally. A lot of funds have gone to the provinces. A lot more help is available, but it is still not enough. I would hope that people suffering from mental illness would not have to look to MAID any time, not now or ever in the future, because they could get access to the kind of health care they need. I would like my colleague to comment on what he thinks is adequate health care when it comes to mental health.