Pondering assisted dying

Photo: Contributed

North Okanagan Shuswap MP Mel Arnold doesn't know how he'll vote when a proposed federal bill on assisted dying reaches the House of Commons.

Arnold hosted a public meeting in Salmon Arm Thursday night on physician-assisted dying during which a panel of stakeholders expressed views.

The Supreme Court of Canada has given Ottawa until June 6 to amend Canada’s laws, to allow doctors to assist competent adults who are ready to end their lives because they are suffering an irremediable medical condition, illness or disability.

A parliamentary committee studied the issue, producing a report in February containing recommendations for the government to consider during preparation of the legislation.

Arnold highlighted a dissenting report produced by some members of the joint committee that calls for clear protections to be in place to protect vulnerable persons.

“Because the government has not yet tabled its proposed bill on assisted dying, I cannot state here today whether or not I support the coming legislation,” said Arnold, adding that he had been seeking input from his constituents before making up his mind.

“The legislative process allows Parliamentarians the opportunity to propose amendments to add or remove details to proposed bills,” Arnold said.