With regard to this amendment, while I respect the points made by Mr. Falk, I'm not supportive of this amendment. The word “voluntary” precedes this in the section, and the voluntary request for medical assistance in dying is key.
My belief is it should be left to the health practitioners, the medical practitioner and the nurse practitioner, to assist in making a fully informed consent and making sure that person is giving informed consent, having regard to things such as palliative care, consultation, chronic pain care, and all those types of things.
I don't believe it's appropriate to put it in the bill. I think it's better left to the health care practitioners to have that conversation and satisfy themselves they're receiving informed consent.