Dr. Blackmer, we had the benefit of testimony from Dr. Stern of the Canadian Medical Protective Association yesterday. I want to read you a couple of things and ask your comment. Presumably, if I'm right, the CMPA insures doctors from coast to coast to coast so I would have thought these were important to your members as well.
They say this when talking about seeking clarity and the eligibility criteria: “The eligibility criteria for "grievous and irremediable medical condition" in subsection 241.2(2), and the requirement for practitioners to be "independent" in subsection 241.2(6), must be more clearly defined to ensure appropriate access to MAID and to protect vulnerable patients. Bill C-14 should state unequivocally whether or not a patient must be at the end of life to be eligible to receive MAID.”
I suppose I'm asking you to comment on that given that your insurer is so concerned about the bill as drafted. You seemed to say you were content with the bill as drafted.