Canada - The Conservatives’ selective interest in protecting human life

[S.J.B.]

The Conservatives’ selective interest in protecting human life
Chris Selley
National Post
February 21st, 2014

In September, after renowned Toronto microbiologist Dr. Donald Low issued an affecting video, in his dying days, calling for legislative support for doctor-assisted suicide, I suggested a critical mass of such testimonials might change a lot of opinions. Social and moral qualms about euthanasia are entirely understandable. But it takes a steely heart to project big-picture arguments on to a lucid, terminally ill petitioner for relief. Individuals suffer individually, and receive our compassion individually.

Six months later, Quebec is poised to legalize what it calls “medical aid in dying.” Most observers think it will happen before a provincial election does. And needless to say, the Conservative government in Ottawa is not on board. It appealed the 2012 decision by the B.C. Supreme Court striking down Canada’s euthanasia laws. The Supreme Court in Ottawa is set to consider it some time this year.

In the meantime, Justice Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement last month, “it is our government’s position that the Criminal Code provisions prohibiting assisted suicide and euthanasia are in place to protect all persons, including those who are most vulnerable in our society … The Supreme Court of Canada acknowledged the state interest in protecting human life and upheld the constitutionality of the existing legislation 20 years ago in the [Sue] Rodriguez decision.”

Unusually for this government on a Criminal Code issue, however, its message is free of moral judgment. Mr. MacKay’s statement acknowledged it is an “emotional” issue. And in an interview with CBC last month, he was downright introspective. “It all depends on your perspective and experience,” he said. “I know [quadriplegic MP Steven Fletcher] for example, who survived a horrendous accident, his insights and personal perspective on this have caused me a lot of reflection to be quite honest.”

Last year, shortly after Dr. Low’s video was released, Health Minister Rona Ambrose even went so far as to suggest a dialogue on the matter with her provincial counterparts. “I think it’s an important conversation to have,” she said.

Read the full story here.

 

[paranoid android]

Good fucking luck with any progressive ideas under this government. Harper is like the bastard inbred son of Reagan and Thatcher . He is a Neo-Liberal right to the core with very conservative social ideas. They are trying to set Canada back to the 50's or whatever ideal version of Canada they want.

 

[ro4eva]

Good fucking luck with any progressive ideas under this government. Harper is like the bastard inbred son of Reagan and Thatcher . He is a Neo-Liberal right to the core with very conservative social ideas. They are trying to set Canada back to the 50's or whatever ideal version of Canada they want.

Harper and his posse has to go. Can't wait for the 2015 elections.