(OTTAWA) - In response to the announcement today that the government will ask for an extension to the Supreme Court’s deadline in Carter v Canada, Elizabeth May issued the following statement:
“When the Supreme Court declared that the prohibition on assisted dying violates the ‘life, liberty, and security of the person’ of Canadians, they gave Parliament one year to respond. That the previous government neglected its duty to act, is no excuse to leave Canadians suffering, deprived of their Charter rights. We have already seen that Parliament’s inaction has stalled provincial action – to delay yet another 6 months would be intolerable to the constitutional rights of all Canadians.
The Carter decision does not leave a void. It gave very clear conditions for when access should be granted. We can trust our doctors to fulfil them as we trust them to help us make important decisions every day.
I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will decline this request. In the event that they grant it, I am hopeful that it will include robust mechanisms for interim access.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca