Good evening, and welcome to the meeting of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying.
I'd like to begin by welcoming members of the committee, witnesses, as well as those watching this meeting on the web.
My name is Marc Garneau, and I am the House of Commons joint chair of this committee. I am joined by the Honourable Yonah Martin, the Senate's joint chair. We'll share our responsibilities this evening.
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.
I remind you that the Board of Economy requires that committee members adhere to health protocols, which are in effect until June 23. I know that you're very familiar with them. As joint chairs, Senator Martin and I will enforce these measures, and we thank you for your co-operation.
I would like to remind members and witnesses to keep your microphones muted unless you are recognized by name by one of the joint chairs. I remind you that all comments should be addressed through the joint chairs and that when speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. This is to help our interpreters. Interpretation in this video conference will work like it does for an in-person committee meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of the floor, English or French.
With that, I would like to welcome our witnesses for panel number one, who will discuss the issue of medical assistance in dying for mature minors in Canada.
We have two guests this evening. We are still trying to get the first one online, Myeengun Henry, indigenous knowledge keeper of the University of Waterloo.
Also, in person this evening, we have Ahona Mehdi, member and Just Recovery research lead of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario. Thank you to both of you for joining us.
We'll begin with opening remarks.
Ms. Mehdi, if you are ready, we will begin with you, and then we'll go to Mr. Henry afterwards.
In each case, you have five minutes, please.
The floor is yours.