Thank you.
Today in Canada, in order to qualify for MAID, you must have an incurable medical condition and experience suffering that is intolerable to you. By that definition, the majority of Canadians qualify for MAID. The core legislation itself is problematic.
Based on our experience, we have outlined the following recommendations for your final report.
First, there should be mandatory access to health care. If not giving Canadians access to MAID infringes on their human rights, then not giving them access to much-needed health care in a timely manner also infringes on those rights. We require clear definitions. “Imminent” is defined as “about to happen”. This needs to be clearly defined in our legislation in the context of MAID and where imminent death is foreseeable.
We also require clearly defined safeguards. The current safeguards are just too ambiguous.
Second, there should be an increased number of independent witnesses. There should be a requirement for at least three independent witnesses to be formally interviewed as part of the assessment.
Third, there should also be a pre-death assessment review. Doctors should be required to submit all assessments to an independent review board prior to a patient's death.
Fourth, there should be continuity of care. Multiple assessments should be completed by the same medical professional. The primary doctor's opinion should hold the most amount of weight in a MAID assessment.
Fifth, there should be mandatory wait periods. There should be no exemptions for patients with mental health or non-terminal disabilities.
Sixth, there should be mandatory release of records. Hospitals and health authorities should be required to release unredacted copies of their MAID assessment records to those who are entitled to them.
Donna Duncan was our mother's name. Please don't forget her, and help us ensure her death was not in vain.
Thank you.