Toronto, ON March 1, 2021 – On November 20, 2020, the Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) asked its friends and supporters to contact their MPs in opposition to Bill C-7, which expands Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), which is otherwise homicide by lethal injection.
After amendments to C-7 in the Senate, the Liberal government under leader Justin Trudeau and Attorney General David Lametti has until March 26 to pass the bill into law. It appears the government has the support of the Bloc Québécois to expand suicide and euthanasia to include circumstances where death is not reasonably foreseeable, and now to those Canadians suffering from mental illness.
Justice Minister David Lametti has supported broader access to MAID since its inception in Canada under Bill C-14. Lametti opposed C-14 less than five years ago as being too restrictive. He has now pledged government support of the Senate amendment to include those who suffer solely from mental illnesses, with a period to develop protocols and “safeguards”, a position he rejected just two months ago.
The CCRL submits that safeguards have proven to be illusory, and we once again call for opposition to Bill C-7 in its totality. If judges wish to expand assisted suicide, let them make the decisions, rather than imposing such decisions on health care professionals.
We ask our friends and supporters to contact their Members of Parliament, asking them to reject C-7 and the expansion of lethal injection eligibility, especially to Canadians suffering from mental illness. You may find your Member of Parliament by clicking here.
Conservative MPs in opposition to C-7 have been working to delay its passage by refusing daily prolongation of the House, as unanimity is required to extend sittings until midnight. They have also talked out the clock in debating amendments to the bill. It is conceivable that C-7 will not get passed before the March 26 deadline, which may result in the killing of the bill. The government may nevertheless force the legislation through using other resources at its disposal.
It is the opinion of the CCRL that Bill C-7 is worse than the status quo of the euthanasia and assisted suicide regime in Canada.
Again, it may seem unlikely that we can stop the Liberal government and the Senate’s intent for Canada to become the world’s leader in licensing free death on demand, but by contacting our MPs and voicing our opposition, we can refuse to be counted among those who embrace the culture of death.
We must also remember that as Christians, as Catholics, we know the war has been won. We must continue, however, to bear witness and fight the good fight. This will never change and we must never give up.
We appeal to any of you not financially impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, who may wish to accomplish more almsgiving by sending a donation to the CCRL by clicking here or by mailing a cheque to the CCRL at 2305 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P1, or by calling the office at (416) 466-8244 or 1-844-722-CCRL.
About the CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. The CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization with a large nationwide membership base. The CCRL is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
To donate to the CCRL, please click here.
For further information:
Christian Domenic Elia, PhD
CCRL Executive Director
416-466-8244
@CCRLtweets