Thank you, Mr. Chair.
You will recall that the Barreau du Québec advised us to clarify the details of offences related to counselling someone to commit suicide. In keeping with the discussion we just held, and taking into account section 241.1, the Barreau du Québec representatives made a suggestion. As part of honest discussions with patients on all potential care, health professionals should be assured that they are not vulnerable and do not risk being exposed to criminal charges. They must be able to adequately inform their patients if the bill clearly states that counselling an individual to commit suicide constitutes a criminal offence.
The amendment reads as follows:
(2.1) No medical practitioner or nurse practitioner commits an offence under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) if they provide a person with information about the care that is offered in connection with medical assistance in dying.
So this is about being consistent with the spirit of the law.