Local Conservatives amped up their call for Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government to halt expansion of medically assisted death to include those with mental illness, by hosting a recent public forum.
Langley-Aldergrove Member of Parliament Tako van Popta held a “sold-out” townhall meeting at the Kinsmen Community Centre in Aldergrove at the end of May aimed at spotlighting the issue for a crowd of about 150 people.
In March 2024, those suffering from mental illnesses will have access to assisted death, “even if their condition is treatable,” claim Conservatives.
So to counter this proposed change by the federal Liberals, Abbotsford Conservative MP Ed Fast has tabled Bill C-314 to stop the government’s expansion of assisted suicide to what he labels vulnerable Canadians with mental illness.
“Despite mounting outcry from mental health experts, the federal government is planning to expand medical assistance in dying (MAiD) to vulnerable Canadians whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness,” criticized van Popta.
Fast – one of the speakers in attendance at van Popta’s townhall – said he put forward Bill C-314 last year because he believes “the government should protect vulnerable individuals and ensure they have access to treatment that would allow them to experience lives of purpose and peace.”
In addition to presentations made by Fast and Alberta MP Michael Cooper during the special forum, van Popta said he obtained a number of signatures on a petition supporting Bill C-314.
“There is lots of work to be done to protect the vulnerable in our society and provide the suffering with hope for a better tomorrow, and the support needed to live through today. These two men are at the forefront of that cause and I thank them for their advocacy,” concluded the local MP.
The other local MP, Liberal John Aldag – who represents Cloverdale-Langley City, has also been vocal on the issue MAiD. His support for MAiD was first presented during his previous term in office, during a presentation to the House.
PAST TOWNHALLS: More than 150 participants join Aldergrove MP Tako van Popta’s virtual townhall
RELATED: B.C. widow grateful MAID allowed her husband to die with dignity, compassion
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