Thank you, Madam Chair.
Good evening, everyone. I apologize for being late; I had some technical issues.
I would like to begin by greeting the joint co‑chairs, the Honourable Yonah Martin and the Honourable Marc Garneau, as well as all the members of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying. Thank you for inviting the Association des groupes d'intervention en défense des droits en santé mentale du Québec, or AGIDD‑SMQ, to share its thoughts on the possibility of allowing medical assistance in dying owing to mental health problems.
At the outset, I would like to make it clear that the AGIDD‑SMQ never uses the terms “mental illness” and “mental disorders”. For us, these are people experiencing a mental health problem. So that is the term I will use.
Our association was founded in 1990, and its mission is to fight for the recognition and exercise of the rights of people living with or having experienced a mental health problem. In doing so, the association has acquired a unique expertise in the field. The AGIDD‑SMQ takes a critical look at mental health practices and is involved in their renewal. The collective voice of people living with a mental health problem is at the heart of our practices; I would even say it is part of our DNA.
In the wake of the decision in the Truchon and Gladu case, in September 2019, medical assistance in dying for mental health problems became a matter of consideration, and even more so when, in January 2020, the Quebec minister of health and social services announced that, as of March 12, 2020, medical assistance in dying would be accessible for mental health reasons. That announcement created a major shockwave. Of course, the pandemic put a sudden stop to any reflection or consultation on the subject. You know something about that because it was the same scenario at the federal level.
Not admitting defeat, in the fall of 2020, the AGIDD‑SMQ decided to launch a consultation with its member groups, which are mostly made up people living with a mental health problem. For the association, it was essential that those affected by this issue be the first to give their opinion.
To date, we have not been able to hold a meeting with our members to discuss this issue, which is so sensitive and full of uncertainties and questions for many of them. On the other hand, some member groups were able to consult their members. It is the fruit of their reflections that we have gathered in the brief “Entendre. Écouter. Prendre en compte la parole des personnes vivant un problème de santé mentale. Rien sur nous, sans nous.”—hear, listen, take into account the voice of people living with mental health problems; nothing about us, without us. We submitted this brief to the Quebec MPs who were members of the Select Committee on the Evolution of the Act respecting end-of-life care in August 2021, and we have submitted it to you, as well.
Three findings emerged from this consultation. First, there is a lack of understanding of what the practice of medical assistance in dying is. Second, people are seeking help to live with dignity and need hope. Finally, people with mental health problems need to be consulted—they want to be consulted—and involved in medical assistance in dying for mental health reasons.
Our association does not have an official position because, as I just said, we have not been able to meet to discuss it. On the other hand, for more than 30 years, the AGIDD‑SMQ has been at the forefront of denouncing abusive or discriminatory situations against people. Since the ruling in the Truchon and Gladu case, we have spoken out to denounce the double standard between the seriousness given to physical health problems and the ignorance of the suffering experienced by people with a mental health problem.
The stigma and paternalism surrounding mental health problems make it difficult to believe that a request for medical assistance in dying can be made “consciously” in these circumstances. When a psychiatric diagnosis is made, the person concerned loses all credibility. Moreover, a number of people have told us that they feared that if they requested medical assistance in dying they would be hospitalized against their will, as they would then be considered dangerous to themselves or to others.
Who is in a better position to judge the sustainability or unsustainability of suffering than the person living with persistent and intolerable suffering? Deciding to die with dignity is legitimate, and accepting it is a matter of respect for the person. We believe that every individual should have the right to make choices about his or her own life, especially when those choices closely affect human dignity.
Five minutes is a short time to talk about such a complex and important topic.
I will be happy to take the time to discuss this issue with you.
Thank you.