Statement by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Health On Tabling of Special Joint Committee's Report on Physician-Assisted Dying


OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 25, 2016) -

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, together with the Honourable Dr. Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, today issued the following statement:

"We are pleased to welcome the Special Joint Committee's reports, tabled in the Senate and the House of Commons today. The reports set out recommendations that our government will consider in crafting a framework on physician-assisted dying.

"We are committed to developing an approach that is based on empathy and strikes the best balance among a range of interests. The Committee's work positions us to achieve the best possible solution for Canada on this complex social and legal issue that must be addressed in a timely manner.

"We appreciate the diligent work that the members of this independent, multi-party Committee undertook over the past weeks, consulting with experts, stakeholders and Canadians. The Committee also reviewed the recent reports by both the federal and provincial External Panels on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada, before drafting their report on this highly complex issue.

"There are many elements that need to be considered as we move forward. It is important that we protect people's choices and freedoms in a way that makes sure our society protects the most vulnerable. In the coming weeks, the government will bring forward its response to the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in the Carter case."

Quick Facts

  • The Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying included members from the Senate and the House of Commons.
  • The committee heard from 61 witnesses and received 131 written submissions over the course of its meetings.

Related Products

Federal Government releases report of the External Panel on Options for a Legislative Response to Carter v. Canada

Statement by the Attorney General of Canada on timelines for a Government Response on Physician-assisted Dying

Statement by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Health on establishing a Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying

Associated Links

Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying

Physician-Assisted Dying

Contact Information:

Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983