Thank you, Helen.
Our MAID laws have been driven and inspired by Canadians whose desire for dignity, autonomy and self-determination have led them to fight for the right to make decisions that align with their own personal values. These are people like Sue Rodriguez, Kay Carter, Gloria Taylor, Audrey Parker, Jean Truchon and Nicole Gladu. Today, we hear from people like Pamela Cross, Katherine Hammond and the Eusanio sisters, whose experience with capacity-eroding conditions motivate them to speak up and support changes to the law.
DWDC recommends that the assessment of eligibility for MAID, including the requirement of intolerable suffering as described in the advance request, be completed by health care practitioners when made aware of an advance request prepared previously by an individual who has since lost capacity. The advance request should be documented in a manner that is consistent with the current process and include a personal statement that outlines the values and interests that are central to the person’s life and the core of their identity. That statement must be considered by the practitioners when making their assessment.
Time does not allow us to go through the details of the careful safeguards we have outlined in our brief, which will be filed with the committee, but we invite you to review them in detail and we would happy to expand on them and answer any questions.
Some clinicians have pointed out that individuals who have lost capacity and reach the point of what their advance request describes as suffering that is intolerable to them may not appear to be suffering at that time. However, the purpose of the advance request for MAID is to respect the previously expressed wishes of the person when they were competent. The safeguards and decision-making process ensure that the individual meets the criteria for assisted dying, and MAID would not proceed if the individual exhibits conscious indication of resistance or refusal.
There is no evidence that access to MAID in Canada or in any other jurisdiction has had a negative impact on societal values pertaining to individuals with capacity loss. Rather, it has brought more attention to end-of-life care in general, including palliative care, and to the need to ensure that all citizens can live and die well.
Thanks for your time today. We would be happy to answer any questions.