Medical Assistance in Dying committee  You're right. It would be an immense relief, for me and for my family too, because they know it's important to me. It would enable me to decide on the right time to leave. I'd prefer to go at the age of 80, of course, but I know that won't happen. The one thing I'm afraid of is letting things go on for too long and get to the phase at which I can no longer give my consent.

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  Yes, I still ask myself what moment I should choose. I am leaning more and more towards when I have trouble recognizing one of my relatives, especially one of my children. I know that it's going to happen, and for me, that's the last straw. You have to have a cut-off point somewhere, but it's not easy.

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  That's very kind. Don't be shy. Those are very good questions. You're right to say that there are good days and bad days when you have Alzheimer's disease. I want to cling to my basic values and to the things I don't want to go through. I don't want to lose my dignity and have to depend on everyone for my basic needs, by which I mean to eat, change my diaper and put me to bed, because I can no longer tell the difference between daytime, evening and night.

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Contrary to my usual approach before I became ill, I'm going to read what I've written here because otherwise I'll never manage. It's with a feeling of urgency in body and soul that I submit this brief to the House of Commons Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying.