Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity. Senator Cowan and I will be splitting our time.
For 40 years, Dying With Dignity Canada has been committed to advancing end-of-life rights and helping Canadians avoid unwanted suffering. Our role is to represent the 86% of Canadians who support the 2015 decision in Carter v. Canada, which struck down the prohibition on physician-assisted dying. We've done a number of studies and surveys over the years around end of life, and our results are largely consistent with those of the federal government in the spring consultation.
In our view, the experience of Canadians within the MAID regime has been overwhelmingly positive. However, experience and research would demonstrate that there is a need for some improvement.
We're here today to speak in support of the legislative amendments that have been put forward in Bill C-7, although we will briefly address concerns. The changes do address the need for personal autonomy and also importantly demonstrate compassion for individuals.
We were pleased to see the removal of the reasonably foreseeable natural death eligibility requirement, which infringes “life, liberty and security of the person” guaranteed by section 7 of the charter. Removing this clause ensures constitutionality for the individual and also their choice to end their life at the time they choose.
Jean Truchon and Nicole Gladu spoke for hundreds of Canadians who have been excluded from existing MAID until this point because they are not imminently dying, although they are still experiencing constant physical pain and suffering that is intolerable to them, and they have carefully considered their decision.
We commend the government on the inclusion of Audrey's amendment, allowing the waiver of the requirement for final consent for those who are assessed and approved for MAID but who may lose capacity in advance of their date. This is something that 85% of Canadians support. We believe that this waiver of final consent should also be extended to those whose death is not reasonably foreseeable.
Many of you will be familiar with Audrey's story. Sadly, it's one we hear every day. We are forever grateful to her for her advocacy, and we appreciate the acknowledgement of the pain caused to individuals like her in this amendment.
Senator.