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Tilson waiting to hear input on doctor-assisted suicide

February 16, 2015   ·   0 Comments

By Bill Rea
Last week’s ruling by the Supreme Court to allow doctor-assisted deaths is going to spark a lot of public comment, and Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson is waiting to hear it.
The Supreme Court unanimously decided to allow doctor-assisted death. The court suspended its ruling for 12 months to allow for new rules and laws to be drafted. It allows for doctors to assist in ending the life of adults who are mentally competent and are suffering, physically or psychologically, from a severe, incurable illness, disease or disability.
The decision was based on the Court’s interpretation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“The Supreme Court based it on the issue of the Charter,” Tilson commented, adding the matter is “very controversial.”
“It’s an issue that we need to consult on and we need to study it,” he added.
Tilson said it would be premature for him to say whether he agrees or disagrees with the Court’s ruling, adding he didn’t think the government would be making a quick decision on this.
“Quite frankly, I want to hear what people think before I make a decision,” he said. “A responsible government would have to do that. You can’t sit right down and write it on the back of an envelope.”
Tilson added he’s been hearing comments from constituents representing both sides of the issue, so he’s anxious to hear more.

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