Ontario introduces Bill to bolster federal assisted dying laws

Ontario introduces Bill to bolster federal assisted dying laws
In June 2016, federal Bill C-14 was passed into law, officially making medically assisted dying legal in Canada. The controversial Bill received both condemnation and praise from various groups around the country: the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) cheered its efforts to “protect vulnerable patients” and respect “the personal convictions of health-care providers,” while Dying With Dignity Canada head Shanaaz Gokool said Bill C-14 was too restrictive, and represented a breach of the government’s promise “to respect Canadians’ hard-won Charter rights.” Other groups, including several religious organizations, have denounced the Bill and the right to die altogether.

The Bill stipulates that in order to be eligible for medical assistance in dying one must have a grievous and irremediable medical condition. In part, a grievous and irremediable medical condition is one where natural death has become reasonably foreseeable, which takes into account all medical circumstances.

Physicians and, where permitted by provincial legislation, nurse practitioners can provide medical assistance in dying and pharmacists, health care providers who help pharmacists and nurse practitioners are all exempt from prosecution under the Criminal Code for providing this assistance where they comply with all of the terms and conditions as set out in Bill C-14

For more information on the legal implications of Bill C-14, contact an Ontario family lawyer at Nanda & Associate Lawyers today.

Between June and October of last year, approximately 200 Canadians took advantage of the new law, according to The Canadian Press, including 87 people in Ontario, 66 in British Columbia, at least 23 in Alberta, 12 in Manitoba, and less than five in Saskatchewan. Concrete information is so far unavailable for other parts of the country.

While ethical debates over Bill C-14 continue, the Province of Ontario is taking steps to solidify protections for patients who chose medical assisted dying, and the healthcare providers who assist them. On December 7, Health Minister Eric Hoskins introduced the Medical Assistance in Dying Statute Law Amendment Act.

“There are many sensitive and complex issues related to end-of-life care,” said Hoskins in a release. “These legislative amendments will support the implementation of medical assistance in dying in Ontario by adding clarity and protection for patients and health care providers. Our commitment is to ensure that end-of-life care is provided in a safe, sensitive and compassionate manner.”

While an experienced Ontario family lawyer can provide more detailed information on the province’s proposed legislation, the Act, if passed would ensure:

  • – That patients are not denied benefits such as insurance payouts and workplace safety benefits because of a medically assisted death.
  • – That healthcare professionals and those who assist them are protected from civil liability when lawfully providing medical assistance in dying.
  • – That there will continue to be effective reporting and monitoring of medical assistance in dying cases.

Canada’s new medically assisted dying laws – and Ontario’s proposed legislation – are controversial for good reason: physician-assisted suicide is fraught with ethical and legal complications, but may also be an appropriate last resort of terminally unwell patients. An Ontario family lawyer can help you better understand the intricacies of the new law, and guide you on your difficult decision-making journey.

If you are weighing the best options for a gravely unwell family member, contact an Ontario family lawyer at Nanda & Associate today. Our team can inform you or your options and provide guidance on the best path forward for you and your family.

Fill In the form below, We will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Demo Description