Mr. Speaker, today the special senate committee on euthanasia and assisted suicide will table its report detailing its findings and outlining its recommendations. I applaud the committee for its careful consideration of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide.
Of importance is the emphasis on palliative care which must be addressed by the medical community and all levels of government through its promotion of public health policy. This was a consistent theme presented by witnesses before the committee.
Canadians are asking what control they and their families have in the direction of their own care. Certainly all issues surrounding the withholding and withdrawal of life support need very close attention with public education and input.
It concerns me that judges may be given leniency in handing out mercy killing sentences, once again calling into question the integrity of our justice system. Respect for life and the protection of the most vulnerable in our society should be paramount in public health policy and the law.