Medical Assistance in Dying committee  In my experience, in a majority of cases, patients who had received palliative care and wanted to receive medical assistance in dying received both. It was a decision that came after consideration. A patient who is in the terminal phase, for example, can be admitted to palliativ

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  We always take it into account. There may be situations like that. However, in my experience in palliative care, it is a request that has been thought about, often for a long time. So it is a process that takes shape in the person's mind. Have I encountered situations in the pas

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  Are you talking about the eligibility criteria?

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  That is entirely different. Personally, I have never administered palliative sedation. In general, medical assistance in dying is a rapid process that is meant for patients who are fully aware of their situation and their choice. Palliative sedation can be a patient's choice to

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  No. These are two totally different things. Obviously, there is insufficient access to palliative care, but that is not the reason why people request medical assistance in dying. I think both must be equally accessible. Medical assistance in dying is not an alternative to palliat

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  It think it depends on where the person is.

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  It can happen. In some institutions, there is no problem, because there is a continuum of care. However, there are cases where a person might be admitted to a palliative care unit in an institution that does not offer access to medical assistance in dying. That person would then

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  As we approach death, we might be satisfied with palliative care alone, or we might find ourselves in a situation where our suffering is too intense, in spite of that palliative care. Suffering can sometimes be absolutely intolerable. That is the real reason for having access to

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  Yes, the disease can be the cause of death, but there are also dehydration and withholding food. The important thing is to relieve all this suffering. The objective of palliative care is to relieve the suffering associated with the process of dying.

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  Thank you.

Medical Assistance in Dying committee  Hello. I hear you very well. Madam Chair and honourable members of the committee, I have a written statement, which I prefer to read. It will be more comfortable. I will be addressing you in French. My sincere thanks for inviting me to appear before the Special Joint Committee