Panel studying doctor-assisted dying gets new mandate, extended timeline

A group of experts consulting with Canadians ondoctor-assisted suicide hasa new mandate and more time to complete a reportto the federal government.

Rather thanprovidingoptions on developing legislation, the panel, led by University of Manitobapsychiatry Prof. Harvey MaxChochinov,isnow asked to simply focuson the results of the consultations. It has until Dec. 15 tocomplete its report.

"Physician-assisted dying is a deeply personal and complex matter and [the panel members] have conducted their work with utmost professionalism. Recognizing that this is of interest to all Canadians, we are committed to ensuring a thoughtful, well-informed legislative response," stated a letter released byJustice MinisterJodyWilson-Raybouldand Minister of HealthJanePhilpott.

"The panel has heard from an impressive number of Canadians and experts. We look forward to receiving their final report and will use it as we continue to develop the government's response to the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in Carter vs. Canada."

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in February that people with grievous and irremediable medical conditions should have the right to ask a doctor to help them die.

The casewas initiated by KayCarter, 89, who suffered from a degenerative disease and ultimatelywent to Switzerland to end her life.

The court ruling in Februarysaid Canada'slaw that makes it illegal for anyone to help people end their own livesshould be amended to allow doctors to help in specific situations.The courtgave Parliament a year to craft a set of laws to governassisted suicide.

• Supreme Court says yes to doctor-assisted suicide in specific cases

The government then appointed thepanel toconsultwith Canadians, medical authorities, expertsand organizations, and formulate legislationoptions by Nov. 15.

In addition to Chochinov, who is theCanada research chair in palliative care at the U of M, the panel consists ofUniversity of Ottawa law professorBenoit Pelletier, a former Quebec cabinet minister and a constitutional expert, and Catherine Frazee, former co-director ofRyerson University's institute for disability research andeducation.

"Our government is profoundly grateful for the hard work and personal commitment of all threepanel members," stated the letter fromWilson-RaybouldandPhilpott.

"Thousands of individuals, expertsand organizations, both within Canada and abroad, have provided their views on this complex and sensitive issue since the panel was established in July. The government recognizes the challenges of this tight timeline and is extending the panel's mandate by one month."

The panel has held 51 meetings in five countries andconsultedwith 66 expertsand 95 representatives from 48 Canadian organizations, government officials said.It has alsoreceived more than300 document submissions from stakeholders and more than 11,000 responses to its online consultation.