Mr. Speaker, the message the government is sending is that struggling Canadians, trauma survivors and those battling depression, schizophrenia or PTSD are being told that death is a solution we are now willing to offer in response to a life of suffering, often compounded by harm this very society has caused them. That is not health care. That is not compassion. It is abandonment. Mental illness is treatable, and recovery is possible, but only if we show up and help.
Canadians are watching. They need us to stand up for life, dignity and hope.
It is my honour and privilege to rise today and introduce an act to amend the Criminal Code on medical assistance in dying.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)