432-01003 (Justice)

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

Whereas, on February 23rd the Trudeau Government endorsed a Senate amendment to Bill C-7 that would allow Canadians with mental illness as their sole medical condition to access euthanasia. This expansion would automatically come into effect two years after Bill C-7 becomes law;

Whereas, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) stated, "As a recovery-oriented organization, CMHA does not believe that mental illnesses are irremediable.";

Whereas, suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19;

Whereas, legal and medical experts are deeply concerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would undermine suicide prevention efforts.

Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the government of Canada to take the following actions to address the situation:

1. Reject the Senate amendment to present those struggling with mental illness with the option of an assisted death.

2. Protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment and recovery, not death.