As you know, we've identified the matter of advance directives as being one of the most contentious issues related to this legislation. We've also acknowledged the fact that there isn't a broad international consensus on the basis of countries where advance directives have been put in place; there are still some challenges around that. We wanted to make a decision that was based on solid evidence that adequate protection could be put in place. As I indicated in my comments, I recognize people's concerns around this and why it is desirable.
Even in the matter of advance directives other than those associated with medical assistance in dying, we hear from medical practitioners and families the real challenges around implementing directives in the case of someone who has reached the point where they no longer have capacity to reaffirm their desires at that particular point in time. I'll simply acknowledge that it is challenging.
I think that on the matter of things like dementia, for instance, one of the real challenges—and you've heard me speak to this repeatedly—is that people fear the loss of dignity that happens. They fear that they will get into a position where they will be a burden on their families or where they won't be able to care for themselves. To me, one of the things, in addition to the fact that we're going to study this in an ongoing way and we're absolutely committed to that, is that we need to do better at caring for people with dementia, for example. We need to make sure that all Canadians are able to live a dignified life and that they are cared for in a place where people respect them as human beings.
Those are some of the things that I think will happen in addition to further study of this matter.