By Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) communications staff
[Ottawa – Dec. 18, 2020] – Following the adoption of Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) at Third Reading in the House of Commons and the announcement by the Superior Court of Québec to grant a two-month extension to the federal government on its deadline to legislate, the Executive Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a response Dec. 18, 2020.
The CCCB statement calls on legislators to “… conscientiously rethink this current legislation and the amendments being considered in advance of the formal parliamentary review. This would demonstrate accountability and transparency, ensuring the trust that Canadians should have in their members of Parliament. It is not too late to reconsider Canada’s approach to euthanasia and assisted suicide, in order to ensure an ethical response, one that promotes the inherent dignity of each human person when faced with the profound questions surrounding what it means to be human, the quality of life, human suffering, death and dying.”
On Dec. 17, 2020 the Quebec Superior Court confirmed that an additional extension had been granted to the Truchon ruling until Feb. 26, 2021. This marks the third extension which has been granted at the request of the Government. The second court extension was to expire Dec. 18, 2020.
The CCCB was invited to testify at the Senate pre-study of Bill C-7 conducted by the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs on Wednesday Nov. 25. Calgary Bishop William McGrattan was asked by the CCCB Executive Committee to testify on behalf of the CCCB. Bishop McGrattan’s testimony can be viewed on the CCCB’s YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/6BeFUIV0EUA.
On Dec. 1, 2020 Bishop McGrattan, on behalf of the CCCB Executive Committee, met with Nicholas Daube, Director of Policy at the Department of Justice via ZOOM to discuss Bill C-7, as well as to follow-up on a series of CCCB communications to the Minister of Justice, Mr. David Lametti.
The CCCB is continuing its advocacy work together with the groups of disability advocates,physicians, legal professionals, and religious on Bill C-7. The legislation has passed Third Reading and is currently being debated in the Senate where the efforts of the above-noted groups lay. The House of Commons rose on Dec. 11 and is scheduled to re-convene on Jan. 25, 2021. The Senate of Canada is scheduled to reconvene Feb. 2, 2021.
“Important Facts About Bill C-7 And Euthanasia In Canada” – CCCB Document
“Données importantes au sujet du projet de Loi-C-7 et de l’euthanasie au Canada” – CECC
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