April 14, 2016 (Ottawa, ON) – HealthCareCAN supports the overall measured approach of the federal government’s proposed legislation on medical assistance in dying announced today by the Ministers of Justice and Health.
“Medical assistance in dying is a serious challenge for Canadian society and grappling with this issue is not easy. Death and dying are realities that Canada’s healthcare organizations and hospitals deal with on a daily basis and we take this issue seriously. We believe the federal government has appropriately balanced the rights of individuals and the obligations of a caring society,” said Bill Tholl, President and CEO of HealthCareCAN.
Medical assistance in dying needs to be seen along a spectrum that includes doing all we can to provide high quality, compassionate health care services, supportive palliative care and, when required, allows patients to die with dignity. Far too few Canadians have access to high-quality palliative care when they need it. Canadians also need to be made more aware of the palliative care options currently available to them. HealthCareCAN strongly supports increased federal investment in, and enhancement of, high quality palliative and end-of-life care services.
“HealthCareCAN looks forward to doing its part on behalf of Canada’s hospitals and health authorities as this bill C-14 goes through the stages of the parliamentary process. We are prepared to continue to work with other stakeholders to ensure that the intent of legislators of striking the right balance is realized in practice,” concluded Mr. Tholl.
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the continuum of healthcare. We act with others to enhance the health of the people of Canada; to build the capability for high quality care; and to help ensure value for money in publicly financed, healthcare programs. Learn more about our organization at www.healthcarecan.ca. Follow us on Twitter: @HealthCareCAN or Facebook: healthcarecan.soinssantecan.
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Media contact:
Lucie Boileau, Director of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations
lboileau@healthcarecan.ca
855-236-0213/613-241-8005 x 205
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