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In the debate on Bill 52 we often hear the argument that we don't let our pets suffer and so we shouldn't let our close ones suffer. This emotional argument is not too valid. There are many reasons why we euthanise our domestic animals and often they have nothing to do with suffering.

To be perfectly clear, the majority of dogs and cats that are euthanised do not suffer. They are simply killed because they have become deadweight to their owner.

A Ministère de ...

Continue Reading → We don’t let our dogs suffer, why should we do so with our sick?

Bill 52, a law concerning end of life care, represents an enormous risk for vulnerable groups such as our elderly and people with disabilities. If it is adopted, this bill could indeed apply to people with disabilities. Despite its title and what is reported by the media the eligibility criteria don't mention end-of-life. The Bills' article 26 aims to define who could access medical aid in dying. This article specifies that a person could be euthanised if he meets the following criteria :

1. Must be fit and have reached the age of ...

Continue Reading → The dangers of Bill 52 for people living with disabilities

Yesterday the general director of Living with Dignity, Nicolas Steenhout, gave an interview to CTV News Channel on the subject of Bill 52.

You can see the interview in its entirety (in English) on the CTV News Channel site.

Here are the main questions and answers :

Q: What exactly is the big deal?

A: It's impossible to set guidelines for a law like this, despite what minister Hivon says. They just have to examine what is happening in Belgium. Bill 52 was closely modeled on Belgian law. There are ...

Continue Reading → CTV News Channel interview with Nicolas Steenhout

Montreal, October 29th 2013 – In adopting today the main rudiments of Bill 52 (Law concerning end-of-life care), the National Assembly has committed Quebec down a very perilous path. The network comprising of Living with Dignity and the Collective of Doctors for the Medical Refusal of Euthanasia are extremely disappointed with the results of the vote. The MNAs ignored the warnings they received during the parliamentary commission especially those coming from specialists in palliative care.

We are urging all MNAs to ...

Continue Reading → The National Assembly must be on guard. Bill 52 represents an enormous risk for Quebec.

A question of life and death. The Carter decision will have a direct impact on the future and security of all Quebecers.

Quebec , October 10th 2013 – The British Columbia Appeals court has rendered today its verdict on the case Carter v. Canada (Attorney general), 2013 BCCA 435 regarding assisted suicide and overturned its initial decision by a majority vote, chief judge Finch dissenting.

The majority (comprised of judges Saunders and Newbury) noted that the cases' judge was bound by the ...

Continue Reading → The Carter decision will have a direct impact on the future and security of all Quebecers