Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
This issue that Mr. Casey has raised is certainly one that we are well seized of. The Supreme Court's decision in Carter is one that has a far-reaching impact, to say the least. Many groups have already expressed themselves in terms of their concerns.
Some would call it a divisive issue. It is very much a human issue that impacts disability groups and faith-based groups, and certainly the legal and medical communities will be involved in the consultation. The consultation, while not formally announced, has begun and we have already, without soliciting, received input on the subject matter.
When the Supreme Court struck down the sections of the Criminal Code on the prohibition of physician-assisted dying as constitutionally invalid, this in effect removed those sections from the Criminal Code, but there was a suspension of 12 months as to the effect. As we've done previously, we will consult broadly. I mentioned some of the areas and some of the groups that by necessity will be part of that conversation.
This is not to suggest that there won't be further discussion, parliamentary discussion, as there will inevitably be when a response is tabled, but this will be a national discussion that will involve many in the country. As I referenced in my opening remarks, we've done this in response to the Bedford decision, so we have a working model, in effect, that will allow for broad consultation. We'll do so in a way that's respectful, that's inclusive, and that will in some degree try to emphasize the inclusiveness of this and not necessarily the partisan aspects. There will be an extra-parliamentary consultation that we intend to undertake. I'll have more to say about that in the very near future.