Canadians have an opportunity to be heard on the issue of physician-assisted dying

OTTAWA, Aug. 28 2015 /CNW/ - The External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada is pleased to announce the launch of its online questionnaire that will gather input from Canadians on the very important subject of physician-assisted dying in Canada.

The Panel's 'Issue Book' provides Canadians with the opportunity to have a voice in shaping how the different types of physician-assisted dying (assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia) will be implemented in Canada. The questionnaire http://www.ep-ce.ca/en/issue-book/  allows individuals to express their views on important questions relating to who should be eligible for physician-assisted dying in Canada and what rules and safeguards should be put in place to reduce the risks to individuals and society.

Before completing the online questionnaire, Canadians are invited to review other online tools on the Panel's website to learn more about assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia and other end-of-life care practices, including palliative care. Participants can also gain insight into the conditions under which physician-assisted dying is allowed in certain US states and countries, before providing their considered input on this emotional and legally complex issue.

"Panel members are interested in having a respectful and open discussion with Canadians that is as inclusive of the diversity of opinions on the subject as possible," said Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov, Chair of the External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada. "These questions, and the heartfelt answers of Canadians, are extremely important as we work towards developing a complete set of options for the government to consider when responding to this issue."

Canadians are encouraged to provide their input to the Issue Book by October 11, 2015. All answers are confidential and no personal identifying information is collected throughout the questionnaire.

The External Panel was established by the federal government on July 17, 2015. The Panel's mandate focuses specifically on issues that are fundamental to a federal legislative response to the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in Carter v. Canada. All views gathered through online and direct consultations will contribute to the Panel's final report to the Ministers of Justice and Health due in the fall of 2015.

For further information on the Panel and its work, please visit http://www.ep-ce.ca/en/home/  

SOURCE Secretariat to the External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada

Secretariat Communications, 613-952-9364, [email protected], www.ep-ce.ca