EPC urges the Government of Canada to appeal the constitutional exemption granting Gloria Taylor death by euthanasia.

For Immediate Release

Link to the decision by Justice Minister Honourable Rob Nicholson to appeal the August 10 decision by Justice Prowse.

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) is troubled that the constitutional exemption granted to Gloria Taylor, to die by euthanasia or assisted suicide, was not stayed by the BC court.

Alex Schadenberg, EPC executive director states:

EPC is concerned that this court order may prompt other people with similar conditions to apply for a constitutional exemption to die by euthanasia before the Supreme Court and Parliament have ruled on the matter.

 Hugh Scher, EPC legal counsel comments:

The existing laws prohibiting euthanasia and assisted suicide remain in effect.
 Parliament and the Supreme Court of Canada have endorsed the constitutionality of the law.

 In April 2010, Canada’s parliament overwhelming defeated a bill that would have legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide.

In 1993, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Canada’s assisted suicide legislation was constitutional.

Dr. Will Johnston, EPC – BC Chair states:

Most elder abuse is hidden from view - and if we can't detect the abuse now, how are we going to do it when the stakes are raised? I have seen how easily influenced older people can be, and how inadequate are our national strategies against suicide.

Alex Schadenberg concludes: 

It is not appropriate for any single judge to over-ride parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law.

EPC urges the Government to appeal the court order that maintains a constitutional exemption for Gloria Taylor to die by euthanasia.

Contact Justice Minister Rob Nicholson at: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/contact/Comm3.html.

For further information

Alex Schadenberg, EPC Executive Director:  (519) 851-1434, info@epcc.ca
Dr. Will Johnston, EPC-BC Chair:                (604) 220-2042, willjohnston@shaw.ca
Hugh Scher, EPC - Legal Counsel:                (416) 816-6115, hugh@sdlaw.ca