We will call this meeting to order.
Good morning, colleagues. Thank you for your patience. We had a few technical elements to sort out.
I want to welcome everyone to the meeting of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying. I welcome especially our witnesses this morning. I know we have one witness from the west coast, so it's very early there. Welcome to everyone who is watching on the web.
My name is Yonah Martin, the Senate's joint chair on this committee. I'm joined by video conference by the Honourable Marc Garneau, the joint chair from the House of Commons.
Today we're continuing to examine the statutory review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying and their application.
In fact, this is our last meeting with witnesses, as colleagues know. Next Tuesday, we will be discussing instructions for the drafting of the report. Thank you to all of my colleagues who have worked very hard throughout the past few months.
I would like to remind members and witnesses to keep their microphones muted unless recognized by name by one of the joint chairs. I'll remind you that all comments should be addressed through the joint chair.
When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. 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 floor, English or French.
We are going to begin our testimonies shortly for panel one. The witnesses are here to discuss protections for persons with disabilities.
We have, as individuals, Dr. Catherine Frazee, professor emerita, School of Disability Studies at the Toronto Metropolitan University, by video conference. We also have Isabel Grant, professor, Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. Lastly, we have Ms. Megan Linton, a Ph.D. candidate, who is here with us in the committee room.
Each of our witnesses will have five minutes to give their remarks.
We're going to begin with Dr. Frazee, who has a pre-recorded testimony. Due to the nature of the testimony, it will be slightly longer, so I wanted to let my colleagues know.
We will begin with Dr. Frazee, followed by Professor Grant and then Ms. Linton.
Dr. Frazee, we will hear from you at this time.