Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair.
Welcome.
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 Yonah Martin, and I am the joint chair of this committee. I am joined by the Honourable Marc Garneau, joint chair of this committee, member of the House of Commons.
Today, we are continuing our examination of the statutory review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying and their application.
In regard to the health and safety of everyone taking part in this committee, the Board of Internal Economy requires that committees adhere to the health protocols in effect until June 23, 2022. As joint chairs, we will enforce these measures, and we thank you for your co-operation.
With that, I would like to remind members and witnesses to keep their microphones muted unless recognized by name by one of the joint chairs.
As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the joint chairs. 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 floor, English or French.
I would like to now welcome our witnesses for this first panel.
As individuals, we have Dr. James Downar, critical care and palliative care physician, and Dr. Pierre Viens, family physician. On behalf of the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians, we have Dr. Ebru Kaya, president, and in the field of medicine at the University of Toronto.
Thanks to all of you for joining us as we continue our very important study.
We will begin with opening remarks by Dr. Downar, who will be followed by Dr. Viens and Dr. Kaya.
You will each have up to five minutes, which we will time, and I will give you a 30-second warning as that time approaches.
To begin, we have Dr. Downar.