Thank you, Madam Chair.
I'd like to thank all the witnesses for their testimony on this difficult issue of medical assistance in dying and safeguards.
I was fortunate, as was my colleague Michael Cooper, to have served on the first Special Joint committee on Medical Assistance in Dying in 2015‑16.
We heard from a number of witnesses at that time, and one of them made a big impression on me. It was former federal MP and minister, and also former MLA, Stephen Fletcher.
As you probably know, Mr. Fletcher was severely disabled. He was career-oriented and he had an incredible career. He told us he was not suicidal, but that the day he had enough of his irreversible condition, he would not hear of anyone lecturing him.
He had quoted an English poet:
“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
if I put this in the context of the Carter decision, there's no question that the decision to go ahead with medical assistance in dying must come from the individual, not from others.
I'm setting the stage for the questions I'm going to ask the witnesses.
Mr. Shannon, I'd like to hear your opinion on the centrality of the person seeking medical assistance in dying and the safeguards.
With respect for the person's condition and their profound request, and knowing that they are of sound mind, do you feel any other safeguards should be put in place?
I'm asking you this in hopes of getting a short answer no more than one minute long, as I'd also like to ask questions of other witnesses.