Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Minister, for your appearance today. You've kept this committee busy. You're represented very ably on the committee and your department by Mr. Virani, but it's nice to see you in person as well. We appreciate the opportunity to ask some questions of you.
Minister, on the topic of the day today, you had said previously at the Senate that there was no consensus on proceeding with expanding MAID to those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. You've now accepted an amendment that would require additional legislation to stop MAID from being expanded to those with mental illness.
The members of this committee don't always see eye to eye, but everyone works very hard on this committee. We take our responsibilities very seriously. When we studied MAID in Bill C-7, the mental illness component was not a part of it. This is causing grave concerns. I have a letter that was sent to me and signed by many organizations that I know you're familiar with and respect, who have concerns about this.
In light of the vote that's taking place tonight, would you use your influence to at least provide that your Liberal members of Parliament have a free vote on the Conservative amendment to remove the mental illness component in Bill C-7?