48 hrs to influence the law on assisted dying
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- Published on Tuesday, 17 May 2016 08:15
- Written by editor
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Dear PAOV,
We've only got 48 hours to influence how MPs will vote on Bill C-14, the proposed assisted dying bill.
As we've shared with you before, Bill C-14 would limit access to medical assistance in dying only to those Canadians whose death is reasonably foreseeable.
This flies in the face of the Supreme Court's decision in Carter v. Canada, and it leaves many suffering Canadians behind.
On the face of it this may sound reasonable, but what it actually does is exclude people who are suffering with prolonged illnesses like spinal stenosis, Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), or Multiple Sclerosis (MS), that can leave individuals trapped in indefinite agony. These are the very people who have been fighting to change the law.
I'm asking you to send your MP an email right now asking them to vote against Bill C-14.
On June 6, 2016, when the Supreme Court's ruling in Carter v. Canada comes into force, we firmly believe that Canada would be better off being guided by the Supreme Court's ruling than it would be having Bill C-14 in place.
Bill C-14 puts the burden back on sick Canadians to return to court to fight for their rights. That is too much to ask of families who are struggling with some of the most difficult times in their life.
By the end of this week, every MP will be given the opportunity to vote freely on Bill C-14. Many MPs like MP Rob Oliphant and MP Yasmin Ratansi have stated publicly that they will vote against Bill C-14.
How will your MP vote?
I'm asking you to find out. Email you MP today to find out how they intend to vote, and let them know that you believe Bill C-14 is far too restrictive and should not become law.
BCCLA's clients fought all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada and won. Many of our clients fought until their very last breath so that no one else would have to face the same cruel choice that they have faced.
Today, we must do everything we can to avoid sending sick Canadians back to court to fight for their rights all over again.
Please, contact your MP today.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Kingston,
Director of Community Engagement
