The Justice Centre has submitted a report to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights entitled “Bill C-7: The Danger of Undue Influence” in response to the Federal Government’s amendment to the Criminal Code regarding physician-assisted suicide, also known as “Medical assistance in dying” (MAID).
Bill C-7, among other things, enables hospitals to euthanize patients who have lost capacity but who previously gave formal instructions that they wished to commit suicide with the aid of a physician. Once a person has lost capacity or the ability to communicate, it is impossible to ascertain their state of mind and ensure that they wish to die.