Some people say that palliative care covers much more than the end-of-life care phase. The Quebec statute is called the Act respecting end-of-life care. Obviously, as you said, palliative care is part of end-of-life care. What Quebec has done, with its law, is decide that a request for medical assistance in dying could be made as part of end-of-life care and must be accepted. The title of the law is not about medical assistance in dying; it is the Act respecting end-of-life care. So a continuum of care is offered that includes medical assistance in dying. If I am not mistaken, palliative care involves the totality of supportive care approaching death. A patient could therefore calmly and confidently opt for medical assistance in dying. As Ms. Campbell said earlier, medical assistance in dying must not be regarded as a failure of palliative care. The two principles must not be seen as conflicting. Is that your opinion?
On October 21st, 2022. See this statement in context.