Yes, you've noticed that the Supreme Court of Canada talked about “physician-assisted death”, and in French we sometimes say “aide médicale à mourir”, which is of course larger, but the Supreme Court really talks about physicians.
Although the Supreme Court says that medical personnel should be protected, those medical personnel who participate in the treatment should be protected as well as physicians are.
To be frank, I don't have any specific idea about whether we should open the door for nurses or other medical personnel to give the treatment or to provide aid in dying, but I'll give you what is, again, my personal point of view. I realize how difficult it is for me tonight to at the same time represent my co-panellists and answer your questions as you probably are expecting me to do.
I would say that this is the first time that Canada is facing the challenge of physician-assisted death. I personally think Canada should proceed with very great prudence on that subject, acknowledging the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, respecting the decision, but at the same time understanding that this is new for our country, and we as Canadians will have to adapt to it. When the adaptation has been done, then maybe there will be other steps that will be desired by the population itself. I would say that at first we should be extremely careful not to go too much beyond the Carter decision.
The Carter decision has indicated the destination. I think that for now, it's sufficient for the destination to be respected. I wouldn't suggest that this Parliament go far beyond that.
Again, this is a personal point of view.