I call this meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the meeting of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying.
I would like to begin by welcoming the members of the committee, the witnesses, and those watching this meeting on the web. My name is Yonah Martin, and I am 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.
There are a few administrative items. I would like to remind members and witnesses to keep their microphones muted unless recognized by the joint chairs. I would also remind you that all comments should be addressed through the joint chairs. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. Interpretation in this video conference will work as in an in-person committee meeting. You have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French.
With that, I would like to welcome our first panel of witnesses who are here to discuss MAID when a mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition.
We have, as an individual, Ellen Cohen, national coordinator, National Mental Health Inclusion Network. We also have Dr. Cornelia Wieman, deputy chief medical officer. Lastly, from Association des médecins psychiatres du Québec, we have Dr. Guillaume Barbès-Morin, psychiatrist.
Thank you to the witnesses for joining us. We will begin with opening remarks. Each will be five minutes in length, which I will try to carefully time. We will begin with Ms. Cohen, followed by Dr. Wieman and then Dr. Barbès-Morin.
Ms. Cohen, you have five minutes.