I call this meeting to order.
Hello, everyone.
Welcome to the meeting of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying.
I'd like to begin by welcoming the members of the committee, the witnesses and those watching this meeting on the web. I'm Senator Yonah Martin, and I'm the Senate joint chair of this committee. I'm joined by the Honourable Marc Garneau, the House of Commons joint chair.
Today we're continuing our examination of the statutory review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying and their application.
The Board of Internal Economy requires that committees adhere to the health protocols that are in effect until June 23, 2022. As joint chairs, we will enforce these measures. We thank you for your co-operation.
I'd like to remind members and witnesses to keep their microphones muted unless recognized by name by a joint chair. I would remind you that all comments should be addressed through a 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 floor, English or French audio.
With that, I'd like to welcome, on behalf of our committee, our witnesses for panel one. They are here to discuss whether to permit medical assistance in dying for mental illness in Canada.
In this panel we have, as individuals, Brian Mishara, professor and director, Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End-of-Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal; and Dr. Derryck Smith, clinical professor emeritus, department of psychiatry, University of British Columbia. We also have Mr. David E. Roberge, member, end of life working group, the Canadian Bar Association.
Thank you, witnesses, for joining us today. We'll begin with opening remarks from Dr. Mishara, followed by Dr. Smith and Mr. Roberge.
Dr. Mishara, you have five minutes. The floor is yours.