Conservative Party of Canada voted to protect people from euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

At their national policy convention in Calgary, the Conservative Party of Canada supported a resolution that the government will not support any bill that would legalize euthanasia or assisted suicide.

The Conservative Party Calgary convention opposed the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide by a vote of 615 to 502. The Calgary Herald stated:

"The Conservative Party will not support any legislation to legalize euthanasia or assisted suicide. This was a motion that sparked strong debate on either side, with one delegate warning that legalized euthanasia would give doctors “the right to directly and intentionally cause your death.”

Quebec is currently debating euthanasia bill (Bill 52) that would legalize euthanasia by defining it as medical treatment. If passed, Bill 52 will need to be challenged through the court as unconstitutional because Bill 52 attempts to redefine euthanasia as medical treatment, when it actually falls within federal jurisdiction as a form of homicide. Bill 52 is a very dangerous bill.

The BC Court of Appeal recently upheld the laws protecting Canadians from euthanasia and assisted suicide by overturning the lower court decision of Justice Smith in the Carter case. The Carter case sought to decriminalize euthanasia and assisted suicide through the courts.

The BC Civil Liberties Association has asked the Supreme Court of Canada to hear an Appeal of the BC Court of Appeal decision.

In April 2010, the federal government overwhelmingly defeated Bill C-384, a bill that would have legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada, by a vote of 228 to 59.

Hon. Peter MacKay

Justice Minister, Hon Peter MacKay recently stated that:

"The laws surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide exist to protect all Canadians, including those who are most vulnerable."

It is very good that the governing Conservative Party of Canada have maintained a policy of protecting Canadians from euthanasia and assisted suicide.