Discussion · Government Orders
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal
“Canada has been debating medically assisted dying for decades, starting with court cases in the 1990s. Parliament needs to keep dealing with this issue directly so we can make progress. What does the member think about the role of the courts and public opinion on this?”
“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?”
Official Hansard
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?