Discussion · Government Orders
Kristina Tesser Derksen Liberal
“I want the member to support this bill. We cannot allow medically assisted dying for mental illness yet because the provinces and territories are not ready to do it safely.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for that good question. In my remarks, I mentioned that I was on the joint committee with the hon. member, and there was vigorous debate and certainly difference of opinion on a number of factors. I take his point with respect to what he is saying for folks who are experiencing mental illness as the sole underlying condition. I had an experience of talking to someone in my riding who was very disappointed that as someone with mental illness, they would not be able to access MAID, given the recommendations of the committee. As I mentioned, it was primarily because the provinces and territories had shown they were not ready to assess and consistently and safely administer MAID in those situations. My colleague also referenced the extensive case law and the legal history. I am sure the law will continue to develop, as it has over the past 10 years, but right now we find ourselves here with this very important comprehensive piece of legislation that I hope we can have his support on.”
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for that good question. In my remarks, I mentioned that I was on the joint committee with the hon. member, and there was vigorous debate and certainly difference of opinion on a number of factors. I take his point with respect to what he is saying for folks who are experiencing mental illness as the sole underlying condition. I had an experience of talking to someone in my riding who was very disappointed that as someone with mental illness, they would not be able to access MAID, given the recommendations of the committee. As I mentioned, it was primarily because the provinces and territories had shown they were not ready to assess and consistently and safely administer MAID in those situations. My colleague also referenced the extensive case law and the legal history. I am sure the law will continue to develop, as it has over the past 10 years, but right now we find ourselves here with this very important comprehensive piece of legislation that I hope we can have his support on.