I call this meeting to order. Let's get this show on the road.
Welcome to meeting number two of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying. This is meeting number two, and this is probably about the third or fourth chapter. Many of you have been through previous incarnations of a similar committee.
Pursuant to the order of reference of the Senate adopted on February 26, 2026, and the order of reference of the House of Commons adopted on February 13, 2026, the committee is meeting to study the eligibility for medical assistance in dying of those whose sole condition is mental illness.
Today's meeting is taking place in hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room. We have no one attending remotely, which makes my life easier.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members.
To begin with, please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. That's me. If you wish to speak, please raise your hand.
With that, let me welcome our initial panel, our first two witnesses.
Appearing today as individuals are Dr. Sonu Gaind, professor of psychiatry, faculty of medicine, University of Toronto, and Dr. Mona Gupta, full clinical professor, department of psychiatry and addictions, Université de Montréal.
Welcome.
The floor is yours for opening remarks of up to five minutes. When there are about 30 seconds remaining, I will try to indicate that your time is almost up. You can go a little bit over afterwards, but if you go on too long, I'll have to cut you off, unfortunately.
Who would like to go first? You're looking at each other.
Okay, Sonu, you start.