Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to move a motion: That the committee order the immediate production of the CAMAP curriculum module seven, “MAiD & Mental Disorders”.
Let me just very briefly comment, if I may, with respect to the motion that I've now moved.
We have been, as a committee, repeatedly told to trust the CAMAP curriculum, that it is robust and that we can have the assurance that the training is of the highest quality possible. A key question on the issue of whether are we ready for MAID and mental illness is the question of irremediability, being able to accurately predict irremediability, as well as distinguishing between a rational request for MAID and suicidal ideation.
CAMAP was asked three times, by me, to provide the criteria in their curriculum. They were unable to do so. They were unable to do so when Senator Martin followed up. They said it's all very complicated and it's a case-by-case basis. That is precisely what the expert panel said, and it is precisely the reason that the chairs of psychiatry wrote a letter calling on the government to delay the implementation of MAID for mental illness, which would have come into effect in March 2023. It was very disappointing that when CAMAP was asked about providing the curriculum to the committee, this was met with reluctance.
Mr. Chair, this committee, as a standing committee, has the power to compel production of documents. Unless CAMAP can point to a specific provision, by way of legislation, that would protect them from providing this committee with that curriculum, they must do so if this committee adopts such a motion; otherwise, they will be in contempt of Parliament.
Given the seriousness of the issues at hand and the degree to which this curriculum is being relied upon to justify to this committee that we're ready for MAID and mental illness, CAMAP has an obligation to provide this committee with that curriculum. It ought not be one big secret.