Provincial government appoints pro-euthanasia panel to devise euthanasia laws.

Alex Schadenberg

By Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC)

The Ontario Government is spearheading its own "expert panel" on euthanasia and assisted suicide in conjunction with many Provinces and Territories.

The panel has set-up an online survey with skewed questions. Several of the online survey questions only offer pro-euthanasia possibilities therefore we are  urging you to send your thoughts by email to: endoflifedecisions@ontario.ca.

The Provincial-Territorial Expert Advisory Group features a stacked deck with: co-chair, Maureen Taylor, (the widow of Dr Donald Low who demanded the legalization of assisted dying in a video that was released after his death) who describes herself, on Twitter, as an advocate of assisted death, Jocelyn Downie is Canada's leading promoter of euthanasia and assisted suicide, and Arthur Schaefer is another long-time advocate of euthanasia and assisted suicide. 

One member of the committee opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide. The committee will state that they are not a one-sided committee when in fact the committee is stacked.

Hugh Scher

EPC legal counsel Hugh Scher commented:

The provincial and territorial inquiry into assisted suicide is premature in light of the present study under way by the Federal government. In particular, there is a serious question as to the constitutionality of provincial regimes regulating assisted death as health care, when such conduct and its regulation have historically fallen under the federal government’s criminal law powers under the Constitution.

Dying With Dignity, an assisted suicide lobby group, who support the panel, stating in their Media Release that:

"We are excited to learn more about the provincial panelists and the contributions each of them will bring to the table," said Morris. "We are especially pleased that Maureen Taylor will serve as co-chair. As the widow of Dr. Donald Low, she has first-hand experience of the brutal, unnecessary suffering that can occur when physician assisted dying is not accessible."

The euthanasia lobby appears to have influenced the Ontario Government to establish a biased panel, similar to the Royal Society of Canada report, to counter the Consultation on Legislative Options for Assisted Dying launched by the Federal government in July. 

Even though the questions are skewed, please complete the online survey.

For further comments contact: 

• Alex Schadenberg at: 519-851-1434 (cell) or
• Hugh Scher at: 416-816-6115 (cell)

Canadian government consultation on legislative options for Assisted Dying begins.

Alex Schadenberg

By Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC)

On July 17, the Canadian government appointed an expert panel to examine the Supreme Court of Canada assisted suicide decision. The panel has a website to enable groups and individuals to be part of a consultation. The panel will make recommendations to the government concerning legislative options for assisted suicide legislation.

The consultation website is now online in English and French.

Written submissions can be sent to:

External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada
East Memorial Building
284 Wellington Street, CS-937
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0H8

The panel appointees are: Dr Harvey Chochinov, a psychiatrist and palliative care leader, Catherine Frazee, a disability rights leader and past co-director of Disability Studies at Ryerson University, and Benoit Pelletier, a member of the faculty of law at the University of Ottawa.

EPC is encouraging our supporters to "sign up" for the consultation updates on the consultation website by entering the required information.

EPC is urging our supporters to submit their opinions to the consultation.

Talking Points:

• People with disabilities, frail elderly people and those who are dependent on others can be subtly pressured.
• Canadians need better end-of-life care. Caring Not Killing.
• Elder abuse has become a scourge on our culture. Euthanasia may become the ultimate form of elder abuse.
• Euthanasia is accepted for depression or other psychiatric reasons in Belgium and the Netherlands. These are people who need help not death.
• The law needs to protect Canadians, especially when we are at the most vulnerable time of our lives.

It is important for you to state your opinion now.

Links to resource articles to help you respond to the consultation.

• Opposing the Supreme Court of Canada assisted death decision.
• Supreme Court Assisted Suicide decision is irresponsible and dangerous.
• Canada: Assisted suicide letter writing campaign.
• Study: Euthanasia for psyciatric reasons - 100 Belgian cases.
• Belgium: Euthanasia treatment for depression.
• More than 1000 deaths were hastened without request in Belgium.
• Assisted suicide shouldn't be for those in the fog of depression.
• Liz Carr speaks about euthanasia of people with disabilities.
• Assisted suicide ruling warps the perception of people with disabilities.
• Assisted suicide is just wrong - disability perspective.
• Ontario physicians want their conscience rights protected.
• Canadians need a right to good palliative care.
• Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians - Assisted suicide should not be provided by palliative care physicians.