432-01166 (Justice)

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

Whereas, coercion, intimidation or other forms of pressure intended to force physicians and health institutions to become parties in assisted suicide or euthanasia is a violation of fundamental freedoms of conscience;

Whereas, during testimony at the Special Joint Committee for Physician Assisted Dying, witnesses stated that the protection of conscience should be included in the government's legislative response to Carter v. Canada (AG)

Whereas, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) confirmed that conscience protection for physicians would not affect access assisted suicide or euthanasia because 30% of physicians (24,000) would be willing to do it; and;

Whereas, section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.

Therefore your petitioners call upon the Parliament of Canada to:

1. Enshrine in the Criminal Code the protection of conscience by supporting and passing bill C-268, the Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act, to protect the Charter Rights of medical professionals who have chosen to not take part, directly or indirectly, in euthanasia or medical assistance in dying.

2. Ensure that all medical practitioners and health care institutions are free from coercion or intimidation related to providing or referring a patient for assisted suicide or euthanasia.