Good evening, everyone.
Welcome to the 22nd meeting of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying.
I would like to begin by welcoming members of the committee, the witnesses and those watching this meeting on the web.
My name is Marc Garneau and I am the committee vice-chair from the House of Commons. With me this evening is the Hon. Marie-Françoise Mégie, the committee vice-chair from the Senate.
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'd like to remind members and witnesses to keep their microphones muted unless recognized by name by the chair. All comments should be addressed through one of the chairs. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly.
Interpretation in this video conference will work like in an in-person committee meeting. With the interpretation button, you have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French.
With that, I would like to welcome our witnesses for panel one. They are here to discuss advance requests.
As an individual, we have Adelina Iftene, law professor.
We also have with us, by videoconference, Dr. David Lussier, geriatric physician, and Dr. Félix Pageau, geriatrician and researcher.
Thanks to the three of you for joining us.
First, we will hear the opening statement of Ms. Iftene, followed by those of Dr. Lussier and Dr. Pageau.
Ms. Iftene, you have the floor for your five-minute opening statement. Please go ahead.