Evidence of meeting #17 for Justice and Human Rights in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendment.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Sharon Harper  Manager, Continuing Care Unit, Health Care Programs and Policy Directorate, Strategic Policy Branch, Department of Health
Joanne Klineberg  Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice
Carole Morency  Director General and Senior General Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice

May 10th, 2016 / 7:55 p.m.

Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice

Joanne Klineberg

The only thing we could contribute at this point is to say that to stop it from being lawful, medical assistance in dying, would take legislative amendments to the Criminal Code.

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Housefather

Yes. I think this doesn't work in this way. I'm sure if the committee finds there are serious problems, the committee will report the serious problems, and any government that doesn't want to be politically embarrassed would have to act, if that solves anything.

Ms. Khalid.

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

Iqra Khalid Liberal Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON

If I may, to be fair to Mr. Viersen, I'm considering this is the last item for clause 10 before we start on the preamble, which I believe we're doing for tomorrow. If Mr. Viersen wants to go away tonight and think about it, maybe we could come back to this in the morning and vote it on it as well.

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Housefather

The only thing I wanted to deal with—and this is the reason I wanted you to break—is a review of the law as amended through clause 11 to make proper decisions on receivability on the preamble issues. I can't do that unless we've completed the rest of the bill.

Again, I look to you Mr. Viersen. Let me ask, because let's say I received it, is there any debate? Is there anybody who wishes to speak to it as a motion? Can I ask for an unofficial vote? Who would vote in favour of this motion? Who would vote against?

Mr. Viersen, are you willing to withdraw it?

7:55 p.m.

Conservative

Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB

Yes.

7:55 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Anthony Housefather

Thank you very much.

Is there anyone who wants to discuss clause 10 as amended? I'm not hearing any, so we'll move to a vote on clause 10 as amended.

(Clause 10 as amended agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Now we move to clause 11. Is there anybody who wishes to debate clause 11?

(Clause 11 agreed to)

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your incredible co-operation today. We will reconvene at 4 p.m. tomorrow, and we will work on those preamble resolutions right now.

Thank you so much.