On February 5, MP Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan) tabled a new private members bill, C-260, the Care Not Coercion Act (or, officially, the Preventing Coercion of Persons Not Seeking Medical Assistance in Dying Act).

The Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has issued a statement strongly supporting Private Member’s Bill C-218, which seeks to prevent persons whose sole medical condition is mental illness from accessing euthanasia and physician assisted suicide (“MAiD”).

In a case with implications for religious freedom, institutional autonomy, and health-care access across Canada, a B.C. Supreme Court trial starting Monday, January 12, will consider whether faith-based hospitals can be forced to provide euthanasia on-site.

“I urge every member in the House to support Bill C-218 so Canada would remain a nation that protects the vulnerable, offers treatment before despair and gives every person the chance to recover.”