Good evening, everyone.
I call to order meeting number 28 of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying.
I would like to begin by welcoming members of the committee, witnesses as well as those watching this meeting on the web.
My name is Marc Garneau. I am the House of Commons joint chair of this committee.
I am joined by the Honourable Yonah Martin, the Senate joint chair.
Today we are continuing our examination of the statutory review of the provisions of the Criminal Code related to medical assistance in dying and their application.
I have just a few administrative remarks before we get going. I remind members and witnesses to keep their microphones muted unless recognized by name by one of the joint chairs, and all comments should be addressed through the joint chairs.
Also, it is very important that when you are speaking to please speak slowly and clearly for the benefit of the interpreters. Interpretation in this video conference will work like an in-person committee meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either the floor, English or French.
With that, I would like to welcome our witnesses for panel number one, who are here to discuss protections for persons with disabilities.
We have, all as individuals, Dr. Heidi Janz, an associate adjunct professor, who is with us by video conference; Dr. Jessica Shaw, an associate professor, also by video conference; and Dr. Tim Stainton, director of the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship at the University of British Columbia.
Welcome to our three witnesses. Thank you for joining us this evening. The process we follow is that you will each be given five minutes to make introductory remarks, and then we'll proceed with questions.
We'll start with Dr. Janz. You have five minutes.