In response to the point that was made by Mr. McKinnon that institutions are not people and therefore do not have charter rights, it should be noted that Chief Justice McLachlin, in the Loyola decision, specifically said, about the charter rights under section 2, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, that individuals and institutions are intertwined. It is a very real issue. I know that health institutions have expressed significant concern. I think it is important that we provide those institutions that provide high-quality health services in many parts of our country with the protection they have asked for. There is nothing this amendment would do that would preclude access to medical assistance in dying for patients who wish to access it.
On May 10th, 2016. See this statement in context.