Good afternoon, and welcome to the meeting of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying.
I'd like to begin by welcoming all the witnesses, as well as those watching this meeting on the web.
My name is Yonah Martin, and I'm the Senate joint chair of this committee. I'm joined by the Honourable Marc Garneau, the House of Commons joint chair.
Today we are continuing our examination of the statutory review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying and their application.
The Board of Internal Economy requires that committees adhere to health protocols, which are in effect until June 23, 2022. As joint chairs, we will enforce these measures, and we thank you for your co-operation.
I'd like to remind members and witnesses to keep their microphones muted unless recognized by name by the joint chair. As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the joint chair. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. Interpretation in this video conference will work like it does in an in-person committee meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either the floor, English, or French.
With that, I'd like to welcome our witnesses. Thank you for your patience, as we went a bit over time in the first hour.
I'd like to introduce our witnesses. As an individual, we have Dr. Ramona Coelho, physician. From Disability Without Poverty, we have Michelle Hewitt, co-chair of the board of directors; and from Spinal Cord Injury Canada, we have Bill Adair, executive director.
Thank you to all for joining us.
We will begin with opening remarks by Dr. Coelho, followed by Ms. Hewitt and Dr. Adair.
Dr. Coelho, you have five minutes for your testimony.