The MNA representing Pontiac and Liberal Critic for Health, Public Health and Regional Vitality, Mr. André Fortin, tabled a motion in the National Assembly asking the Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Danielle McCann, to publish the expert report on access to physician-assisted dying for those no longer apt to provide consent, and to do so without delay. The motion also asked that the government confirm its intention to hold consultations in parliamentary committee before a bill is tabled.
Today, following his initiative to table a motion, the MNA representing Pontiac secured a commitment from the government to hold a parliamentary commission. He is thrilled that the motion, that reads as follows, was adopted unanimously:
“That the National Assembly recall that the debate surrounding physician-assisted dying is a sensitive social debate that must be addressed in a non-partisan fashion;
That it recall the promise made by the CAQ government last September to hold public consultations at the National Assembly about the possibility of extending access to physician-assisted dying to people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and other related illnesses;
Consequently, that it ask the Minister of Health and Social Services to publish the expert report on access to physician-assisted dying for those no longer apt to provide consent without delay, and that it ask the government to confirm its intention to hold consultations in parliamentary committee before a bill is presented.”
The government must immediately publish the expert report on access to physician-assisted dying for those that are no longer apt to provide consent, and hold consultations. This social issue has direct repercussions on life and death for people, and just like the first time, it must be addressed in a non-partisan fashion for the population’s well-being. It is too important an issue to be used for political purposes.
–André Fortin, Liberal Critic for Health, Public Health and Regional Vitality
