Conservative Party of Canada re-affirms opposition to (MAiD) euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

The Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) re-affirmed their opposition to (MAiD) euthanasia and assisted suicide at this weekend's online policy convention.

John Paul Tasker reported for CBC news that the CPC convention voted on two policies concerning MAiD and upheld their opposition to medical killing. Tasker reported:

Delegates also rejected a modification to the policy book that would have changed the party's stance on medical assistance in dying — swapping the statement that the party would not support any legislation that would "legalize euthanasia or assisted suicide" for one that says it would oppose "the extension of euthanasia and assisted suicide" to minors and people living with "psychological suffering."

This policy modification may have been rejected because delegates also voted for a similarly worded resolution that reaffirms the party "opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide" and will stand against any expansions of the current law. The federal government recently extended access to medical assistance in dying with Bill C-7.

The CPC overwhelmingly supported the original policy at their Halifax Convention in August 2018.

Previous CPC Policy conventions supported conscience rights for doctors, nurses and others, and opposed the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide.

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) does not support a political party. We support candidates and elected representatives from all political parties that oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Now that the Conservative Party of Canada has approved these policies, EPC will urge them, and others, to act on these policies.